Leading tech firm Bloc Digital to become first recipients of unique Honorary Award

Pioneering technology firm, Bloc Digital, will be celebrated by the University of Derby with a unique, first-of-its-kind Honorary Partnership Award at its awards ceremony this month.

Bloc Digital will be the first recipient of a University of Derby Honorary Partnership Award; a new award category to recognise the University’s outstanding collaborative partnerships.

Bloc Digital has worked closely with the University since 2016, and has been nominated for its long-standing collaboration, exceptional innovation and unwavering support for students.

Each year, notable people with a strong connection to the University of Derby, the city or county are nominated to receive an Honorary Degree at the Graduation Awards Ceremonies.

Thousands of graduates, guests, industry and regional partners are expected to attend the ceremonies, which will take place at Derby Arena from 12-14 November.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said:

“The University of Derby’s graduation ceremonies are a celebration of the significant achievements of our graduates and a tribute to the outstanding contributions of our honorary award recipients.

“These events not only honour individual success but also highlight the transformative power of education and the University’s enduring commitment to social impact, innovation, and excellence.

“It is my pleasure to, for the very first time, announce Bloc Digital as the recipient of the University of Derby Honorary Partnership Award.

“The University of Derby prides itself on its links with industry, and our long-standing partnership with Bloc Digital underlines our joint research and developmental interests.

“Bloc Digital has been pivotal in supporting the University to be a force for positive impact, opening doors for everyone and nurturing a partnership to mould the next generation of game-changers.”

Bloc Digital co-founders Keith Cox and Chris Hotham first connected with the University in 2016 when they met a representative from the Derby International Business School. It marked a turning point for the company, unlocking a wealth of opportunities for advice and funding.

The company has since gone on to benefit from management training, research funding partnerships, and a strong supply stream of student and graduate talent.

At these awards ceremonies, Fabian Henderson, Deputy Director, Nursing Workforce at NHS England, and Sue Parkinson, a retired occupational therapist, will each receive individual honorary degrees at the ceremonies.

Fabian Henderson, an alumnus who studied Law at the University of Derby, has held several senior leadership positions in the NHS national workforce strategy during his distinguished career. He will receive an Honorary Master of Science in recognition of his transformative work in public health services and social mobility within the NHS. 

Sue Parkinson, who has lived and worked in Derbyshire for over 35 years, has made significant contributions to occupational therapy through the development of widely used tools, resources and intervention handbooks. 

After a successful career as a national and international speaker, providing training to thousands of occupational therapists, she has recently secured a contract for the publication of another handbook titled “Maintaining Our Health through Occupation.”

She will receive an Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to occupational therapy practice and impact on service users. 

Professor Kathryn Mitchell added:

“The ceremonies offer a chance to reflect and share the excitement of our graduates as they take the next step in their academic and professional journeys.

“It is a chance, too, to celebrate the achievements of our new honorands to recognise the positive impact they and their work has had on the region and beyond.”

Find out more about our Honorands