Leading academics and business figures combine for new initiative

Stirling Management School has further strengthened its close ties with industry through the creation of a new Business Advisory Board. The launch of the initiative is timely as it will have a role to play in supporting businesses to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The creation of the Board – whose members will include University of Stirling academics, executives from international businesses, leaders of social enterprises, and students - will create clear and strong links between Stirling Management School and industry. This will enhance the already transformative education delivered by the University, which equips students with the real-world skills and experiences to go on and make a difference. 

Professor Kevin Grant, Dean of Stirling Management School, said: “We have established the Business Advisory Board to create a forum for best practice. This will create an exchange of knowledge between our academics and high-level executives and managers from the business world.  

“The Board members have been identified for their continued excellence in their sectors and commitment to developing future generations of business leaders. Being able to regularly engage directly with members of the Board will provide us with a direct line to what the industry is going to be looking for in the graduates of the future – informing what and how we teach. 

“The Board will also be another resource, in addition to our existing academic expertise, which businesses can look to access to help them weather and recover from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. 

“Each member has been asked due to their specialist skills, knowledge, dynamism, and enthusiasm, and we are extremely pleased to have brought such a group together. Allied with our team’s existing expertise and passion for teaching, we are confident the Board will deliver a significant boost to our students’ learning, development, and employability. 

“I would like to thank them for their commitment to supporting the University and look forward to working with them as we continue to evolve the range of subjects which Stirling Management School offers students from around the world.” 

Many of the Board bring significant international business experience, which will complement the University’s own global outlook – with an alumni family of more than 92,000 people, in over 170 countries. 

Students will benefit from a range of events delivered by Board members, including relationship management workshops, and sessions for undergraduates on resilient work practices. 

The Board will be chaired by Stanley Morrice, Executive Chairman of Garrets International – the world’s leading maritime logistics provider. He said: “I am very proud and humbled to be appointed to this position at such a prestigious institution. Stirling Management School has an enviable offering to students, with outstanding academic staff, innovative use of technology, and is situated in beautiful settings. 

“The Business Advisory Board will complement the academic team by bringing a vast array of experience and knowledge from private, public, and third sectors – both locally and internationally. This will be balanced by student and academic input to ensure a rounded approach to enhancing the Stirling Management School experience.

“Our aim is to make a difference and form mutually beneficial partnerships between the University and private, public, and charitable organisations.” 

Other Board members from industry include: Scott Brady (SB Global HR and Legal LLP); Hazel Curtice, Director of Corporate Relations at Sea Fish; Catherine Gee, Corporate Services Director for Keep Scotland Beautiful; Robert Kelda, Chief Executive of Wrist Ship Supply; Sandy Manson, Chair and Head of Client Service at Johnston Carmichael; Fiona Mackenzie (former Chief Executive of Forth Valley Health Board); Ian McKay, owner of Otherhand, John Scott, Chief Executive of Abune, and former PwC Director); Dr Sanjiv Sharma, Medical Director of Great Ormond Street Hospital.