Member Article

Connect Derby and ENSCITE team up to stage a special 'insider' information event at the iHub

Leading managed workspace provider Connect Derby has teamed up with ENSCITE, a support organisation for companies in the transport equipment manufacturing supply chain, to host a special event at the £12m iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park.

The ‘Insider Event’ is taking place at the iHub on Wednesday 28th February (4.30pm – 6.00pm) and is aimed at companies looking to expand their role within the rail, aerospace and automotive supply industries.

Businesses operating in the transport engineering and hi-tech sectors across the Midlands are invited to find out more about the workshop and office accommodation offer at the iHub and how Connect Derby’s collaboration with ENSCITE, a joint venture between the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Aston University, can help take their business to the next level.

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, will welcome guests with an introduction to the iHub and the Connect Derby scheme and a run-down on the benefits of being based at the iHub.

This will be followed by a presentation from Kim Simonis, business development manager at ENSCITE, about the range of the support services available to businesses operating in the aerospace, automotive, and rail supply chain industries to improve productivity to facilitate growth and competitive advantage.

Current tenants will also be on-hand to share their experiences of being based at the iHub.

The event will conclude with a tour of the iHub’s impressive workshops, office space and the innovative ‘iLab’, which provides a local facility to undertake design, prototyping and testing of a range of products and services.

Staff from the University of Derby will give demonstrations of the equipment in the iLab, which features an additive manufacturing cell, including vacuum casting machine, digital microscope, 3D printers and 3D AutoCAD software. A virtual reality suite includes Oculus Rift headset.

Refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to network with guests and current tenants and discuss available accommodation with the Connect Derby operations teams

Commenting on the ‘Insider’ event, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“We look forward to welcoming businesses from across the Midlands to the iHub on 28 February.

“The unique workshop provision at the iHub is proving very popular with businesses seeking a hybrid working environment and only a limited number of units are still available. I would encourage anyone keen to find out more to book their place and come and see this fantastic accommodation for themselves,” added Ann.

Commenting on ENSCITE’s collaboration with Connect Derby, Angela Tooley, project director of ENSCITE, added:

“ENSCITE offers a range of support services to help SMEs win and grow business in the aerospace, automotive and rail supply chain industries, and complements the iHub’s offering perfectly.

“We’re excited about teaming up with Ann and the Connect Derby team to promote the fantastic accommodation and support services available to businesses across the Midlands.”

The iHub is the centrepiece of Infinity Park, the 100-acre manufacturing focused innovation and technology park in the city. It features 18 high specification offices and 14 state-of-the-art workshop units, which are ideal for businesses in need of a hybrid working environment.

The building also offers a multi-purpose ‘heart space’ area, which is establishing a reputation as a leading regional conference and event venue, as well as conference and meeting rooms which are open to tenants and non-tenants.

For further information about taking space at the iHub, contact operations manager Sonia Kang, on 01332 742500 or email sonia.kang@derby.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .