Derby is a city in the East Midlands with a population of over 220,000 people. Derby has one university, the University of Derby, which gained its university status in 1992. The university has one campus in Derby and another Campus in Buxton, Derbyshire. It is home to over 20,000 students.
Engineering and manufacturing continue to serve as key industries for employment within Derby. Other notable employers within Derby include Internet banking company Egg, which has its national headquarters in the city.
Derby is also home to car manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce, which provides employment within the city. The Derby branch includes a Heritage Centre which was set up to promote the history and engineering heritage of Rolls-Royce. It contains a wide selection of Rolls-Royce parts and aero-engines, which date from the formation of the Company in 1906 to the present day.
Shopping in Derby is divided into three main areas, these all combine to include a large range of shops, national retailers and boutiques. There are also many pubs, coffee shops and restaurants. The city's main indoor shopping centre contains a food court and a 12-screen cinema.
Derby has excellent transport links with the rest of the UK with access via several key motorways including the M1, A6, A52 and A61. Railways have been operating in Derby since 1840, and the city has strong links to the railway industry. In 2011 train maker Bombardier unfortunately missed out on a £1.4 billion project to upgrade the Thameslink line between Bedford and Brighton. The contract was awarded to German group Siemens, causing outrage in Derby at the government's decision not to support local business. Despite this setback, Bombardier is still a key employer within the city of Derby.