The Connect Derby story

Connect Derby is more than just buildings and office space – it’s a business community which supports tenants through every stage of their business lifecycle.

As a customer of Connect Derby, we’ll be with you every step of the way – from your first contact with us, to the point when you move in and beyond. Find out more about why we do what we do.

Connecting workspaces, businesses and people

We’re passionate about connecting people, expertise, and knowledge to support our tenants and enable them to thrive.

We do this by providing micro businesses, entrepreneurs, and small and medium enterprises with flexible, high specification working environment, IT infrastructure and business support they need.

Quote from Ann Bhatti

Since it was launched in 2014 Connect Derby has become a strong, reliable and trustworthy brand. We have become the hub of business support activities in the city supporting businesses of all stages to find and deliver their full potential.

Ann Bhatti Head of Connect Derby
Ann Bhatti

We’ve come a long way...

From an idea 10 years ago to a multimillion pound, city wide organisation - Connect Derby is one of the fastest growing suppliers of managed workspaces in the region.

Launch of Friar Gate Studios (new build)
October 2006
Connect Derby concept conceived
May 2012
Friar Gate Studios refurbishment
September 2013
Launch of Connect Derby
January 2014
Launch of Sadler Bridge Studios (new build)
May 2014
Launch of Kings Chambers (refurbishment)
June 2014
Launch of Riverside Chambers (refurbishment)
September 2014
Connect Derby team received Derby City Council VIP nomination and Award for excellent customer services
January 2015
Launch of Shot Tower (refurbishment)
March 2015
Ann Bhatti included in the Derby Telegraph Inspirational 250 listing for the first time
September 2015
Launch of Marble Hall (refurbishment)
March 2016
iHub set to join Connect Derby portfolio
May 2016
Brexit Vote – Impacted Connect Derby Businesses
June 2016
HRH The Duke of Gloucester carries out the official opening of Marble Hall
June 2016
Launch of iHub (new build)
September 2016
Friar Gate Studios celebrates 10th anniversary
October 2016
Connect Derby attracted 106 businesses into city centre accommodation since its launch
December 2016
Marble Hall wins Derby Civic Society Award
March 2017
iHub named best commercial project at the RICS Awards 2017 East Midlands
June 2017
iHub wins Design Excellence Award at Insider's East Midlands Property Dinner 2017
October 2017
Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport visits Sadler Bridge Studios
March 2018
Big Lockup charitable event funds smashes fundraising target
May 2018
Connect Derby management team achieve level five leadership certification
January 2019
iHub shortlisted for Setting the Pace Award at the UKSPA 2019 Awards.
January 2019
Connect Derby starts to deliver D2N2 Growth Hub programme in Derby
April 2019
Riverside Chambers shuts due to flood levels for the first time ever
November 2019
All Connect Derby buildings shut due to Covid for the first time
March 2020
Ann Bhatti supports BAME businesses throughout coronavirus
March 2020
Connect Derby supports tenants affected by Covid-19 restrictions
April 2020
Connect Derby is the first Derby City Council service to reopen for business
June 2020
Connect Derby receives ‘Outstanding’ rating following Derby City Council Covid-19 risk assessment, with a score of 92%.
June 2020
Ann Bhatti shortlisted at the East Midlands Leadership Awards
June 2020
Robert Jenrick, The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government visits the iHub
July 2020
Connect Derby takes over interim management of Derby Market Hall
August 2020
Connect Derby reallocates staff to support Derby City Council’s critical services during the coronavirus pandemic
December 2020
Shot Tower becomes Community Hub
January 2021
Connect Derby smashes their recruitment diversity target by employing over 80% management staff from BAME backgrounds
March 2021
Marble Hall Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
January 2022
iHub Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
February 2022
Announcement about the launch of the new Nuclear Skills Academy at the iHub
May 2022
Official launch of Dreams Bistro
June 2022
Connect Derby has best start to the year for five years
March 2023
The iHub being taken over by the University of Derby
March 2023
Launch of Hybrid Office
May 2023
Launch of Pay As You Go Office
August 2023
Apprentices start at the new Nuclear Skills Academy at the iHub
September 2023
Daily Desk Dash product launched
October 2023

Meet the people behind Connect Derby

Connect Derby wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible team working behind the scenes. Our dedicated customer, business and facilities provision and management teams are on hand to support you and your business every step of the way.

We always go the extra mile to help your business, whether it’s greeting your visitors, providing business support, or setting-up a meeting room.

Get to know some of the people you’ll see regularly around our buildings.

Ann Bhatti
Ann Bhatti Head of Connect Derby Strategy and Policy
Chrstine Brown
Christine Browne Operations Manager Customer Services
Pauline Roessler
Pauline Roessler Business Support Manager Business Support
Sonia Kang
Sonia Kang Operations Manager Lettings and Negotiations
Manjit Modare
Manjit Modare Operations Manager Facilities Management
Manjit Modare
Syd Holland Operations Manager Lettings and Negotiations
Taz Shanker
Taz Shanker Finance Manager Finance department
Janine Booth
Janine Booth Operations Officer Lettings Support
Kirandeep Kaur
Kirandeep Kaur Operations Officer Facilities Support
Kim Walsh
Kim Walsh Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Kay Buck
Kay Buck Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Cathy Birch
Cathy Birch Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Wendy Smith
Wendy Smith Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Kiri Krishnapillai
Kiriyatharshini Krishnapillai Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Shauna Ramsay
Shauna Ramsay Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Ting Ting Christine Choi
Ting Ting Christine Choi Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Charlotte Keegan
Charlotte Keegan Customer Support Assistant Customer Services
Deepa Naymmolli
Deepa Naymmolli Customer Support Assistant Customer Services

Why choose Connect Derby

Joining Connect Derby gives you access to wide range of services and support designed to help your business thrive. Here are a few reasons we think you’ll love being a part of Connect Derby.

How our tenants rate
Connect Derby

  • Would recommend us to others
    85%
  • Overall performance
    85%
  • IT Network, Internet and WIFI access
    80%
  • Clean, safe and secure buildings
    83%
  • Our communication
    91%
  • We live and breathe Derby

    We opened our first managed workspace Friar Gate Studios in 2006 and have an unrivalled knowledge of the city and the businesses that operate here. Our team’s knowledge and experience of the managed workspace sector enables us to support you in ways that a traditional landlord arrangement simply couldn’t.

  • Outstanding workspace experience

    Our high-quality workspaces are complemented by a wide range of facilities and additional services – all designed to make it easier for you to run your business.

  • Support just an email away

    Our business support team will use their considerable experience and network of contacts to sign-post you to any help and support you may need.

Any questions?

Want to arrange to view one of our buildings or chat to a member of our team? Fill in the form below and we’ll get back you.