Why Derby is a Talent Hub Driving Business Growth by Ellie Smith

Business Development Director for SF Recruitment, Ellie Smith, was recently invited to contribute to Marketing Derby's Investment News Publication. In here she explores why Derby is a talent hotspot and a hub for business growth. She discusses the evolving expectations of candidates, the increasing demand for flexibility, and how Derby's unique blend of education, industry, and connectivity supports businesses in attracting and retaining top talent.

Talent is vital to business growth and investment – but attracting talent – and retaining it – particularly in today’s competitive market, can be something of a challenge. The landscape has changed. Candidates of today are more selective than ever. It’s no longer just about salary; flexible working, wellbeing initiatives, and company culture are all key. That is why adopting a consultative approach to recruitment is essential, and headhunting for mid-level roles is increasingly necessary.

Businesses are also becoming more flexible in their recruitment criteria. Rather than focusing on ticking every box, there’s growing recognition that personality and cultural fit are often more important. Skills can be taught, but the right attitude creates long-term success.

The expectations of candidates have shifted – and businesses have had to move with the times. Post-Covid, the demand for flexible and hybrid working has transformed how businesses operate. For example, firms like Derby-based electronics manufacturer Tioga have embraced a four-day working week, and flexibility is now an expectation, not a perk.

Research shows that jobs offering flexible working attract 53% more applications than those that don’t. This shift isn’t just about remote work – it’s about supporting employees in balancing work and life in a way that works for them. For employers, this opens the door to recruiting the best talent, no matter their location.

Physical workspaces are evolving too, particularly the role of offices. Grade A office space in city centres remains attractive, but companies are rethinking their layouts to encourage collaboration and hot-desking. Employees are looking for a hybrid approach – working in the office two or three days a week to strike the right balance between in-person interaction and remote work.

So, how does Derby stand up in terms of its talent offer – and what makes it stand out from the rest? Personally speaking, I have seen first-hand why the city is a ‘hotspot’ for talent. With its rich industrial heritage and focus on advanced manufacturing, robotics and AI, the city is evolving to attract both companies and individuals. Derby’s central UK location and excellent transport links are key reasons for its appeal. With strong rail and road connections, and East Midlands Airport just under 15 miles away, Derby is highly accessible. This level of connectivity helps businesses draw from a wider talent pool.

Beyond its industrial strengths, Derby’s job market is diverse, with 28% of roles publicly funded, 55% in private services, and 10% in knowledge-based industries.

However, changes to taxes, pensions, and minimum wage could affect hiring. For example, paying the same wage to an 18-year-old and a 25-year-old with different experience levels may limit opportunities for younger candidates to get entry level roles.

Despite these challenges, Derby’s recruitment landscape remains full of potential. SF Recruitment has deep roots in the region, having placed finance professionals into 70% of the region’s businesses over the past four years. With an average of 14 years’ experience per consultant, we’ve built long-term partnerships that help us solve recruitment challenges for our clients.

Education and apprenticeships play a vital role in supplying the talent needed to ensure continued success, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing. Derby is in a fortunate position here. It is home to Derby College Group, one of the largest institutions of its kind in the East Midlands, which works with industry to provide apprenticeships that are relevant to the local jobs market.

With 15% of Derby’s jobs tied to manufacturing, these programmes are critical. Apprenticeships also bridge the gap between young talent and the growing needs of sectors like advanced manufacturing and engineering, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline. Derby College is also part of the East Midland Institute of Technology, with its Roundhouse campus home to a brand-new building offering construction, engineering, digital and leadership training. As well as the college, there is the University of Derby – a Teaching Excellence Framework gold standard institute – which produces talented graduates year after year. The university has also partnered with Rolls-Royce on the Nuclear Skills Academy, producing the next generation of nuclear engineers. Together, these institutions play a key role in feeding skilled workers into the region’s economy.

To my mind, Derby is well positioned as a hub for business and talent alike, offering the right mix of location, education, and flexibility to existing businesses and new businesses looking to locate into the city.

Here at SF Recruitment, we’re proud to be part of Derby’s growth, helping businesses and individuals thrive.

This article has been shared with kind permission of Marketing Derby