Herts hosts inaugural University Alliance Business School Network

The University of Hertfordshire has hosted the launch of a new business network by University Alliance to help table the common issues facing the higher education sector.

Business School leaders attended the inaugural University Alliance Business School Network Meeting at the Fielder Centre, hosted by Hertfordshire Business School.

The leadership included many from across the University Alliance membership, which are 14 universities, including Herts, University of South Wales, Teesside University, University of the West of England Bristol, University of Brighton, Middlesex University London, University of Derby, Oxford Brooks University, Kingston University London, University of Greenwich, Birmingham City University, Anglia Ruskin University, Robert Gordon University Aberdeen and University of West London,

Sharing many of the same challenges in the most difficult climate for higher education to date, the leaders discussed how they could work together more closely within the University Alliance umbrella to surface solutions and best practice.

In the UK, common difficulties faced by this sector include financial instability due to rising costs and stagnant funding, a decrease in international student numbers due to visa changes, workforce issues and the need for digital transformation and adaptation to evolving student needs.

University Alliance, which represents the interests of its member universities and their communities, focusing on collaboration, policy, and expertise in higher education, said the new network aims to provide a platform to discuss common issues and convene a joined-up voice that can speak authoritatively on all matters relating to business.

Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, said:

“As factories for talent and ideas, Business Schools across the University Alliance are driving results, and delivering economic and social impact both local and internationally.

“Joining over 40 successful networks already operating across the Alliance, the UA Business School Network will, like all of our other networks, bring tangible benefits to our members, and no doubt to the broader business community as well.

“At the network’s inaugural meeting, I was pleased we could bring together the leadership of our Business School members to provide a platform to discuss common challenges, and to convene a University Alliance-focussed voice that can speak authoritatively on all matters business.

“I hope it’s the start of many productive conversations and relationships to boost the profile and prestige of our fantastic UA Business Schools.”

Professor Mairi Watson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“Business Schools serve as engines of talent, innovation, and impact, driving economic and social progress both locally and globally.

“I am grateful for the support of University Alliance in establishing this network and delighted that the University of Hertfordshire was given the opportunity to host the inaugural event.

“By coming together, we can harness our collective strength to address shared challenges, create meaningful opportunities, and deliver solutions that benefit not only our institutions but also the broader business community.”

Dr Joel Carlton, Founding Chair of the University Alliance Business School Network, and Deputy Dean of Hertfordshire Business School, said:

‘It is marvellous that University Alliance agreed to support this network, and I am also grateful to colleagues leading University Alliance Business Schools for their insights and participation.

“Business Schools make such a positive difference to all our communities, and I am convinced that by surfacing the power of our shared thinking we can find where it makes sense to use our collective strength to deliver solutions and opportunities working together for our common good as a Business School community.”

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