University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory

The University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory’s mission is to make a real difference to the regions businesses, people, and the communities they live in. We want to hear your voice so that we can produce research and solutions that matter.

Our University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory (UDREO) researchers explore matters that are important to our region, so that we can provide robust analysis to support engagement with national government policy. We want to ensure our region is represented in decision-making and make sure your views are heard. Our aim at the University of Derby is to produce research that is high impact, high profile and beneficial.

Services and activities

Students in the Bloomberg Lab
Our research

Research is a fundamental part of our identity as an academic institution and the work we do has a real impact. Find out how you could benefit from our research projects.

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Have your say

Join either our business or community panel for the opportunity to participate in impactful research that can make a real difference to the local community.

Polina Baranova talking
Meet the experts

The University has a vibrant research environment with nearly 200 research-active staff and over 330 doctoral students. The UDREO team cover a wide range of areas, find out more about them here.

Case studies

Economic Observatory makes a strong start

Since its launch in March 2022, the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory (UDREO) has already supported a wide range of local SMEs, and started to forge links with the region’s ...

David Smith
DS Performance

DS Performance is a sports performance company, supplying sport-specific development strategies through strength and conditioning support for a range of sports.

The Goldbox team: Odhran Taylor, James Heaney, Josh Spaticchia, and Ben Collison
Goldbox Productions

We talked to Ben Collison from video and photography firm, Goldbox Productions, about how the University’s business support has helped his company to grow since 2020.

Head and shoulders shot of Stevie Davies, artist and designer
Stevie Davis Glass

Stevie Davies is an artist and designer who works with glass. She’s spent the last six and a half years honing her craft and developing her business at Banks Mill Studios.

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Free Business Health Check

We have developed a brand-new business health check tool specifically for small organisations. This free resource is designed to offer practical information and guidance, on how to recover and improve business performance during the current economic climate.

Find out how we can support your businessFind out how we can support your business

How will the initiative support our region?

Mark Gilman, Professor of Economics leads the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory. Here he shares more about why the initiative was first developed and how it will support the local region.

Mark Gilman, Professor of Economics shares why the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory was developed and how it will support the local region.

View Regional Economic Observatory video transcript

A person analysing charts and using a laptop

Planning for Change in 2023: Business Support Services

Discover the support available for your business and expand your network through meeting like-minded business leaders. We have x2 events in Markham Vale and Derby

Book your place for one of our events.Book your place for one of our events.

Contact the team

If you have any questions about the Regional Economic Observatory or would like to learn more about business services we provide, please complete the form below.

Make an enquiry

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