Theo Paphitis Visits University of Derby as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship
Theo Paphitis spent two days at the University of Derby, where he was inspired and engaged by students, staff, prospective students, alumni, and the local community in his new role as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship. Reflecting on the visit, Theo noted the exciting vision and entrepreneurial direction the University is currently taking.
Launch of The Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs’ Club
On Tuesday, Theo joined Chancellor Lord Burlington to launch The Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs’ Club. Serving as Co-Chair, Theo was delighted by the warm reception and the emerging plan to support entrepreneurial students. The Club is designed to take students to the next level through:
Mentorship and insight from successful national and local business leaders.
Real-world challenges regarding their business plans and direction.
A twelve-month program focused on personal, real conversations and practical experience.
Theo found it particularly inspiring to see the number of business leaders offering their time who, having benefited from mentoring themselves, truly understood its value.
Engagement and Research
Theo and his team received an excellent welcome from Chancellor Lord Burlington, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE, and their staff. During the visit, Theo participated in Q&A sessions with Professor Keith McLay and Professor Marvin Cooke OBE, where he challenged the audience to ask him questions he had never been asked before - a challenge he says they certainly met.
The visit also included an insightful trip to the lab of Professor Mike Sweet, Head of the Nature-Based Solutions Research Centre. Theo observed ongoing research projects in molecular ecology, noting the vision and expertise that has the potential to make a real-world difference.
A Bright Future
With the University currently ranked second in the UK for employability, Theo remarked that his time with the students and staff made it clear why they have achieved such success. He concluded that the future is full of opportunities for the University of Derby and looks forward to being part of that journey.
