Collaboration with academia is central to Unipart’s ambition to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Our strategic partnership with the University of Derby is built on mutual commitments to generating social value, innovation, and skills development. By combining Unipart’s operational excellence with the University’s applied research, we are creating a unique ecosystem to tackle real-world industrial challenges.
At the heart of this three-year agreement is a commitment to bridging the “experience gap” for graduates. Through work-based learning and direct industry insight, we are ensuring the next generation of talent is equipped with the skills needed for the future workforce.
Work-based learning
Unipart has committed to ongoing business school placements and has dedicated positions within our 2026 graduate scheme specifically for University of Derby graduates.
Sponsored research
Unipart and the University will jointly sponsor a PhD focused on applying AI and automation to complex supply chain challenges
Curriculum design
Unipart specialists work directly with the University to map graduate attributes and digital skills to the evolving needs of global industry
Driving sustainable growth and innovation
This partnership leverages the expertise of both organisations to accelerate the drive toward net-zero and promote regional economic development.
Sustainability leadership
Digital technology solutions
Regional & civic impact
Unipart provides industry-leading insight to support the University’s sustainability commitments, with our Chief Sustainability Officer inputting directly into the 2030 Offset and 2050 Net Zero strategies.
We are actively surveying University facilities for a trial installation of Unipart’s Energy Insight (EI) technology, aiming to reduce energy use and costs across the campus.
As a proud industry partner, Unipart engages with the Derby Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the city’s sustainability drive and support the University’s civic mission to address regional social and economic challenges.
For our customers and the wider industry, the Unipart and University of Derby collaboration delivers:
Applied expertise: Unipart executives, including CEO Darren Leigh, provide regular guest lectures, bringing real-world business challenges into the classroom.
Industry advisory: Unipart holds a seat on the Derby International Business School (DIBS) Advisory Board, ensuring academic programs remain industry-relevant.
Collaborative research: We explore joint research projects and publications that transform supply chain practices and deliver carbon reduction at scale.
Enhanced damage claims management for automotive operations
25% productivity boost for major healthcare provider
£200k savings and productivity boost for leading equipment supplier
56% drop in windshield damage for a North American automotive manufacturer
Scalable warehouse growth in South Korea for a fast-growing EV manufacturer
Unipart’s strategic partnership with Pro:Direct in the US market
£600k in annual savings for a leading pharmaceutical company
64% time savings and zero errors through outbound reporting automation
Delivering transport excellence to Selco’s UK branch network
EI. delivers £28,800 cost saving on high-volume automotive production line
Manufacturing business identifies £90,000 cost savings using EI.
£350k savings for a leading UK building materials supplier
Standard operating procedure (SOP) enables 33% reduction in shipments for automotive retailers
Rapid development & deployment of WMS for luxury automotive brand
Automotive manufacturer reduces trim part damage by 57% across North America network
Unipart 2025 financial results
Unipart partners with The University of Derby
Unipart digital transformation recognised with HubSpot Impact Award
Privacy Notice
Unipart announces strategic partnership with Trussell to combat poverty across the UK
Unipart launches new online store
Unipart strengthens UK EV commitment with full ownership of Hyperbat
Unipart selected for Rolls-Royce SMR nuclear programme
Group Tax Strategy
Big Charity Challenge 2025 raises record £62k
Unipart and Crewe UTC inspire next generation of rail talent
Unipart wins $33m Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority deal
Unipart partners with Railway Children
Carol Rose Burke CBE appointed to SMMT Board
Hyperbat wins Make UK Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award
