Dear colleagues,

I write the leadership message for this edition of Humanities eNews at a time of unprecedented disruption in global trade and markets, justified in terms of what is and isn’t fair. Confirmation, if we needed it, that conventional assumptions about work, business, globalisation and economic prosperity need to be reimagined. I’m confident Manchester is up for the challenge!

At AMBS we are already four months into our 60th anniversary year. Whilst this milestone provides a great opportunity to get dressed up (you will have seen the diamond-inspired artwork wrapping our building!) and run a packed programme of activity – we have used this landmark as an opportunity to reflect on the disruption taking place to and by business and management and reflect on whether business and entrepreneurship can be a force for good.

From Manchester Business School in 1965 to AMBS in 2025, as a School (and University) we have seen huge transformation both within education and the world of business. As we navigate this era of consistent, and sometimes dramatic change, our founding principles have never been more important. In the words of the school’s first director, Grigor McClelland, these were to deeply engage with business and policy makers in pushing the frontiers of business and management, along with a profound commitment to socially responsible business.

The emphasis on looking forward and celebrating innovation is key to our 60th year celebrations. We kicked off a busy year of events by launching Vital Topics Global in January when we teamed up with The Productivity Institute to talk about business innovation and creativity over a dynamic panel discussion. This global lecture series will travel throughout our International Centres before returning to Manchester with a review of innovation across global markets in January 2026.

Back for a second year will be AMBS’s Festival of Business which is taking place w/c 16 June and is primed to provide a window into the next era of innovation, transformation and leadership. Against the backdrop of the transformation in this city we call home, the four-day event will explore how businesses can navigate disruptive change, harness cutting-edge technology and drive inclusive growth in an unpredictable world.

Looking forward to September, we will also play host to Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region Mayors, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, who will deliver our annual Grigor McClelland lecture. The lecture, which explores the interaction between business, education and social responsibility, will explore how the two cities are working together to strengthen the regional economy in a socially responsible way.

Also in Autumn, we will publish a book, A New Blueprint: Reimagining Business Schools for the 21st Century, featuring a collection of collaborative essays from colleagues across the University who have come together to consider the future landscape for business schools.

As you can see, there’s lots to look forward to this year – and we’d love you to be part of it. Whether that’s joining an event, getting involved in the conversation, or simply sharing your reflections with us. You can follow the conversation on our dedicated 60th Anniversary page.

Best wishes.

Ken