Kavita appeared In the December 2024 Edition of Derbyshire Life, one of 3 women who have made their own contributions in very different ways across Derby.
Kavita Oberoi OBE is a nationally-renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist. Having seen a gap in the market for clinical audit provision to the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry, Kavita set up her first business Oberoi Consulting in 2001. She also built up a commercial property portfolio and set up Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park in 2012.
In 2009 she was named in a Bank of Scotland report as one of Britain’s 100 most entrepreneurial women and in 2014 awarded in OBE for services to entrepreneurship and start-up businesses.
Kavita is a passionate advocate for business, healthcare, education and empowering women and girls.
Kavita’s inspiration for the Oberoi Business Hub came from her own experience of setting up her first business Oberoi Consulting in her spare bedroom in 2001.
Like many start-up businesses, she faced many challenges including the need for premium business address (prior to requiring office space), meeting rooms, call handling support and flexible administrative support to be able to establish and grow her business.
She explains:
“As the founder of the Oberoi Business Hub, I take great pride in how our services have significantly contributed to the growth journey of local entrepreneurs and growing businesses. I love helping them to thrive, expand and create more local jobs.
Seeing local businesses grow and succeed with the support of the Business Hub is incredibly fulfilling. By enabling businesses to focus on their core activities and providing them with the infrastructure they need, we also play a crucial role in the economic development of Derby.”
Kavita continued that one of the most rewarding aspects of her business and charity interests was the opportunity to give back to the community.
This includes funding rounds from the Oberoi Foundation, which supports causes related to women and health and setting up Derby Breakfast Club scheme to enable schools across the city to provide school children with a healthy breakfast which has been linked with higher attainment, more focus and a better overall educational experience.
She is also Patron of the Star Trust which reinvests funds are raised from the business community into local East Midlands charities – making a tangible difference to the lives of those in local communities.
“Overall, the combination of charity work and business support services allows me to have a meaningful impact on the city and its local businesses. It is this blend of community involvement and entrepreneurial support that I find most fulfilling.
What I love most about Derby is its unique blend of history and modernity. The city has a rich industrial heritage, yet it continues to evolve and innovate. The sense of community here is strong, with local businesses and residents working together to create a thriving environment.”