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1. Page 1 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
In this Edition
New York Study Chinese New Enterprise
Trip / p2 Year / p5 Scheme helps
students
launch into
business / p6
Businesswise/ April 2011 /
Spring Edition
News Flash / “we& Drink:shape theWorld - Pg 3
Food
CAN
Tomorrow’s
____________________________
future”
Dr Ian Brooks, Dean of Northampton
Business School, comments:
“I am pleased to report outcomes from both the Sunday Times and the
Independent newspaper league tables for 2010. The Northampton Business
School (NBS) was ranked in the top half of all UK university business schools
for its Business provision, including a top half ranking for the employability of
its graduates, by the Sunday Times and holds a top third position for student
satisfaction. Surpassing even these notable achievements, our Accounting and
Finance provision was adjudged 8th best in the country (out of 80 universities)
by its students, while its Management provision was ranked 4th (out of 73
universities). These outcomes reflect the emphasis NBS places on the quality of
teaching, support for students and the relevance of its courses.”
Students visit FT Helping residents
20 MBA and Year 1 students from Northampton Business
of Corby into work
School, as well as academics Adrian Pryce and Grahame On the 4th March 2011, our Enterprise Coaching Team were
Fallon, visited The Financial Times head office and print works delighted to take possession of a vacant shop in Corporation
as part of a trip coordinated with the Northampton Global Street, Corby for the launch of the Corby Job Club. The shop,
Business Student Society network. The group were pleased to which has been donated by Land Securities, was officially
meet Peter Whitehead, Editor of the Executive Appointments opened by The Worshipful Mayor, Councillor Marianne Taylor
section of the FT, who is from Northampton, at the FT’s head and eight partners supported the initiative:
office overlooking the City of London. Job Centre Plus
Connexions
Neighbourhood Learning
Citizens Advice Bureau
Business Link
Enterprise Coaching
Corby Borough Council
– Benefits Office
Tresham Youth Training
The venue provides a much needed drop in facility for the
residents of Corby. For further information, please contact
Janice.Watkins@northampton.ac.uk

2. Page 2 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
New York Study Trip
At the end of January, 43 undergraduate
marketing students from Northampton
Business School set off on the annual
study trip to New York. Undeterred by
the weather forecasts which promised
temperatures of -16 ˚C and heavy snow,
our expeditionary team packed extra
woolly socks and headed off across the
Atlantic.
After a day of acclimatisation and orientation, and the realisation that
it really was VERY cold and one pair of woolly socks was not enough,
the study tour got under way. Bright and early on Monday morning, we
found ourselves in the competent hands of our fast-talking, fast-walking
New York guides for the study tours. Divided into two groups based on
course discipline, the Business/Marketing tour and the Fashion/Retail
tour set off around Manhattan at a cracking pace.
The Business/Marketing tour included the excellent Kaleidoscope
where the students found out about how clients like Toyota, Pepsi, Intel
and Microsoft managed their brand using live events and product
launches. Also on the itinerary Mediavest and MEC Global (Twice
voted Adweek’s and Advertising Age’s Global Media Agency of the
Year). In contrast, on the visit to the NYC Parks & Recreation, the
Parks Commissioner and members of his marketing team explained how
they work with public and private agencies to manage a huge roster of
events in the city’s green spaces.
Kate Pascoe, who managed the majority of the organisation and
negotiation for the expedition commented: “Our ground partners in New
York designed a great itinerary again this year – I’m always impressed
by the seniority of the people that are prepared to give up their valuable
time to speak to students – I think the fact we are from the UK helps a
lot.”
The Fashion/Retail group got behind the scenes at Club Monaco where they saw the way merchandising layouts are store tested
prior to roll out to the group. They went on to Anthropologie to see how they perfect the compelling and unusual shopping
experience that defines the brand. Big brands were the order of the second day of the study tours – including a visit to Niketown
where students learned about their merchandising and retail strategy as well as their commitment to greener practices and
sustainability. This was followed by a memorable adventure through the fashion archives at Tommy Hilfiger and even an
encounter with Tommy’s sister Betsy!
Sally Laurie who has led the trip for seven years said: “Every time we take students into these environments I’m impressed by the
way the experience seems to bring the theory they have been learning to life in front of their eyes.”
The remainder of the time in New York was used for sight seeing, self directed study and acquiring more warm clothing as it had
now started to snow heavily. Some tutors had directed students to collect material such as evidence of service standards and
approaches to retail display. Other students focused on the employability opportunities that presented themselves – networking
with the industry professionals they met and taking note of internship opportunities.
Students on the BA Entertainment Marketing took the opportunity to mix business with pleasure; tasked with organising an event
for one of their modules, they chose to organise a trip to see the New York Knicks vs. The Washington Wizards basketball game at
Madison Square Gardens. Walking back through Times Square on the way to the hotel, giant foam hands aloft, everyone agreed
this was a highlight of their time in New York City.

3. Page 3 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
Food & Drink: Tomorrow’s world
“The best way to predict the
future is to invent it – we
CAN shape the future.”
Milan Shah, Event Chair
In February 2011, Northampton Business
School in conjunction with Sunley
Management Centre at The University of
Northampton hosted a pioneering ‘2020
Strategic Visioning’ event bringing together
experts from across the world to consider
the challenges facing the food and drink
industry.
The event marked the start of a three
year University-led research programme,
branded ‘2020 Strategic Visioning’, to
explore the major drivers of change in the
industry, and to consider the global trends
of the future.
The two-day programme was based on a
highly innovative research methodology
pioneered by Professor Michael Olsen Ph.D
of Pamplin College of Business, Virginia
USA. His acclaimed technique has been
used in business schools and settings
Taking two days away from their businesses Food & Drink Forum, who highlighted the
around the world, but this is the first time it
was a big commitment, but all delegates regional perspective.
has been used in the UK and in the global
agreed that it allowed them to step back
food industry.
from their day-to-day activities to really Delegates experienced a special ‘Taste of
grapple with the challenges and decisions Northamptonshire’ lunch as well as a Gala
Professor Olsen, together with Dr Ewout
they must face in the future. Stephen Brown Dinner prepared by Northamptonshire
Cassee and Dr Sander Allegro, both
of Fratelli Bosco Ltd commented: Ambassador, Michelin star chef Adam
associated with the Hotel School in the
Gray who revealed plans to open a cookery
Hague, were invited by Adrian Pryce, Senior
“The visioning sessions were highly school at his restaurant The Red Lion in
Lecturer at Northampton Business School,
inspirational and a great chance to get East Haddon.
to facilitate this latest initiative.
out of the day-to-day routine, allowing
me to think more deeply and longer term 2020 Strategic Visioning is a new initiative
Delegates including growers,
about the factors shaping our industry. The created within Northampton Business
manufacturers, retailers, caterers,
interactive sessions in a non-competing School to provide strategic support to
regulators, consumers and academics were
environment are so different to most stuffy businesses in key strategic sectors, such
asked to consider the industry in 2020.
conferences - fun yet highly valuable, very as food and drink. The programme has
Guided by Professor Olsen, delegates from
strategic. Highly recommended!” the support of the Institute of Directors,
the UK, Italy, Spain and Egypt debated the
the East Midlands Food and Drink Forum,
forces of change with a view to identifying
Professor Olsen told the group: Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd as well
opportunities and threats in the important
as the University of Lincoln and the Open
food and drink market.
“This is the race to gain an understanding University of Catalunya. Follow-up events
deeper than competitors, of the trends are planned in Barcelona and Milan later
The two-day programme, which combined
and discontinuities – technological, in the year.
interactive workshops with keynote
demographic, regulatory, or lifestyle -
speakers, was conceived to allow those
that could be used to transform industry Adrian Pryce summarised: “This process will
involved in the food and drink industry to
boundaries and create new competitive help us challenge businesses to consider
consider the long term view and help them
space.” the future and thus develop better strategic
to develop the competitive weapons needed
options and analysis. It is another example
to succeed in a fast developing global
Keynote speakers included Charles Banks of of The University of Northampton living up
market.
TheFoodPeople who reviewed and predicted to its motto – Transforming Lives, Inspiring
global food trends and Fiona Anderson, Change.”
Managing Director of the East Midlands

4. Page 4 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
Northampton Business School welcomes…
Dr Chris Andrew –
International Development Manager
“We live in interesting times in Higher Education and flexible learning, international research and
and there surely can’t be a more interesting time consultancy. We will need to embrace developments
to be joining Northampton Business School as the in communication technology to offer learning
International Development Manager than now. The opportunities to those across the world who might not
University has set out its vision to transform itself have thought of engaging with Northampton Business
into an internationally facing University by 2015 School. I have worked in Higher Education for most
and my role is to facilitate and achieve this vision of my career in various roles, my background is in
on behalf of Northampton Business School. For Psychology and Management and I have experience
me the internationalisation vision has to embrace of developing international educational business in a
and permeate all aspects of our operations from number of important markets for us. I know that there
partnership and international student recruitment, are real opportunities
student and staff mobility, curriculum development internationally
and portfolio offering through to research, consultancy for the Business
and alumni activity. As we are all aware Higher School and I look
Education faces severe financial challenges in the next forward to working
few years and many HEIs will be looking overseas to and supporting
fill the funding shortfall. It is imperative in securing colleagues in
a competitive advantage that we build long term developing a truly
strategic partnerships with overseas institutions which international business
will be characterised by activities such as increased school.”
student recruitment, in-country delivery, blended
Dr Angela Rushton returns to Higher Education
within the field of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Having obtained her PhD at Cranfield, Angela stayed there Ten years ago Angela made the switch to industry as Marketing
teaching on the MBA programmes as well as supervising Director for Manor House Healthcare. An interest in Law, not least
PhD candidates and running a Delphi study on the future of the impact of EU legislation on business and marketing, saw
management . She then went to the Angela take the 12 month Graduate Diploma in Law
International Management Centre at (CPE) in 2005/2006. Alongside her day job, from
Buckingham as MBA Course Director 2006 until its closure in March 2010, Angela was a
and Senior Fellow in Marketing. Here the business representative member at the East Midlands
emphasis was on using Action Learning Regional Assembly. Here she became a member,
principles. Angela then moved into then Chair, of the Scrutiny Board that examined
consultancy with Marketing Matters the policies and activity of the East Midlands
working internationally with long-term Development Agency.
clients such as Heineken BV, Black &
Decker and Bard Medical. Alongside the At Northampton Business School, in addition to
consultancy, Angela was a Course Director instilling an enthusiasm for marketing amongst her
for the Chartered Institute of Marketing students, Angela is looking forward to undertaking
and retained her links with academia research for publication and to building links with
through continuing her editorship of the local businesses and business organisations for
European Journal of Marketing and then mutual benefit.
becoming Editor of International Marketing
Review.

5. Page 5 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
Kate Broadhurst: enterprise
Development Project Manager
“Having spent the last eight years leading I put that new understanding into practice
the research group Perpetuity Research, when I joined Perpetuity and since then
a spin out company of the University of have grown the business, expanded it into
Leicester, I am excited about the challenge new areas and worked alongside other
of joining the Business School at a time SMEs, spin outs and new enterprises.
when social enterprise sits at the centre of
the University’s Strategic Plan. My research area of interest lies within
social policy and during my time at
I started out my career at the Department Perpetuity my research and analysis skills
for Criminology at the University of were applied in equal measure with my
Leicester as a research associate where project management experience to set
I gained considerable experience of up and grow new business ventures and
managing projects and undertaking develop a healthy, thriving, well respected
international research. I left academia research company.
after five years to work for a national
charity in a senior consultant role where I I am now looking forward to working with
learnt that research skills and knowledge colleagues across the Business School to
had great commercial potential. ensure the ongoing success of the Funded
Project Unit.”
CHINeSe New YeAR INAUgURAl gUeST leCTURe
Northampton Business School (NBS) recently invited over 70 Northampton Business School was delighted to host the first in
students and staff to welcome the Chinese New Year in style at its major lecture series on Monday 7th February. Professor Nada
Sunley Management Centre. Kakabadse’s lecture on ‘Women on Boards’, was received by an
audience of over 80 representatives from local companies and
Guests, from a wide range of nationalities, were entertained across the University. The lecture, which focussed on the impact
by a traditional Chinese dancer who performed in a stunningly which a female presence has on top executive boards, provided
colourful costume. extremely interesting results which were not necessarily anticipated
by the audience!
Those Chinese students present later noted how pleased
they were to see a showcase of authentic Chinese dance. Northampton Business School was thrilled with the success of the
The performer, Meng, also offered guests an opportunity lecture. Dr Ian Brooks, Dean, commented “Professor Kakabadse is
to participate in a brief dance workshop, followed by a Tea a highly respected academic in her field and it was a delight to be
Ceremony. able to share the outcomes of her research with such a committed
audience”
Dr Ian Brooks, Dean of Northampton Business School,
commented: “NBS is very fortunate to have students and staff The next lecture in this series will be held on the 11th April at
who are representative of such a variety of nationalities. We 6pm. Presented by Prof Geoff Sheard, the lecture will be entitled
were delighted so many people were able to join us for this Characterising the ‘Bad Leadership’ of those trusted to
event and everyone clearly had an enjoyable time.” lead. For further information, please contact
michelle.smith@northampton.ac.uk

6. Page 6 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
enterprise launch their enterprise. They will
learn more about marketing and
East Midlands Development Agency.
It has supported 75 entrepreneurs
Scheme helps selling, finance and accounting and
networking and business planning.
into taking that step and starting a
business by providing a cash bursary
students launch There is a wide range of businesses
of £2500 and business support and
training totalling £3000.
into business being launched under Enterprise Inc
including photographers, podiatrists, The Enterprise Club who manage
The final year of the highly successful artists, caterers and social the programme for The University of
Enterprise Inc business start up enterprises. They will all be based in Northampton have been delighted
programme kicked off on January the East Midlands contributing to the with the success of Enterprise Inc and
22nd. 26 undergraduates and recent local economy. wish the current participants luck
graduates whose business idea has with their new ventures. For further
been selected to benefit from the Enterprise Inc is a three year project information, please contact
programme began a series of six funded by the Higher Education Sharon.Irwin@northampton.ac.uk
workshops which will help them to Innovation Fund, the European
progress their business plans and Regional Development Fund and the
New CORPORATe ClIeNT FOR
NORTHAMPTON BUSINeSS SCHOOl
Northampton Business School has further Northampton Business School is to initially ILM assessments and the assessments
strengthened the joint working relationship deliver 5 ILM programmes over the next 2 themselves are added value work activities
between the University of Northampton years, which will involve over 50 students in their own right.” Sean Smith is equally
and St Andrew’s Healthcare by developing studying for the qualifications. The first delighted by the programme. “From what
and delivering Institute of Leadership students based at St Andrew’s Northampton we have seen so far, Northampton Business
& Management (ILM) levels 3, 5 and 7 joined their courses in January and February School are providing a course tailored exactly
Management qualifications. 2011. for our needs. The learning materials are of
high quality, and feedback from students has
St Andrew’s Healthcare, the UK’s largest not- The course leader is NBS associate, Steve been very positive.”
for-profit mental healthcare provider employs Ashby and the client at St Andrew’s
over 3,500 staff across sites in Northampton, Healthcare is Sean Smith, Senior The next step is to develop the ILM level 7
Essex, Birmingham and Nottinghamshire. A Management Development Trainer. Steve management qualification for the Charity.
collaborative partnership agreement with Ashby is excited by the opportunity to This will be one of the first ILM Level 7
the University has seen the development of lead the course at such a prestigious (postgraduate) programmes to be accredited
a number of exciting programmes through organisation. in the country, and the ILM are working
the Schools of Health and Social Sciences in closely with the University in its development.
addition to student placement arrangements “The design of this course is perfect for an
with the Charity. organisation such as St Andrew’s Healthcare.
Time away from work is minimised through
the use of workshops focussed on the

7. Page 7 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
live Client Projects
live Client
as to whether externals would take a student led research
project seriously, but these concerns were put to bed after Dr
Townshend’s presentation.”
for Marketing “There was so much information!” said another student,
Jodie “Dr Townshend was very professional, but also relaxed
as he spoke. I’m really looking forward to the research
Research project – it’s very interesting. It will give us a chance to put
our skills into action in a practical setting.”
Undergrads
Students on the module will be working on the research
during the Spring term and the best reports will be fed
back to SK:N with a view to using them to influence local
marketing strategy.
In January, second year students of Marketing Information
& Research were briefed by Dr Askari Townshend, Medical
Director of SK:N Northampton.
SK:N is a high profile chain of 36 private skin clinics,
specialising in laser hair removal and rejuvenation
treatments.
Dr Townshend delivered a background briefing and outlined
a research challenge for the students, inviting them to
investigate attitudes towards rejuvenation treatments among
SK:N’s target market.
“The most important element of the brief for me, was the
trust that the client had in us to uphold the professionalism
and image of his business during the research stage.” said
Ben, a student on the module; “Following Market Research
Society codes of conduct could not be more important - to
ensure that we don’t breach the clients trust, but also to
uphold the professionalism of the University. I had my doubts
lU.ST BSc Business
Computing
Ulli Steiner owns a fashion boutique in a village just outside
Vienna, Austria. Her business is called LU.ST and she has kindly
volunteered to be a part of a live client project for third year Students go live
E-Retail students. Dave Larkan, module leader, visited Ulli whilst Students on BSc Business Computing are
on holiday in the New Year and recorded a video interview working on their final year projects with
where Ulli briefed the live clients. This year’s projects include
students on the project for creating websites for a local Church, a new
her proposed website. The start-up builder’s business, the University
international flavour of the of Northampton Programming Club, a rock
project has really captured band and an Indian restaurant. Students
the interest of the students can work as individuals or groups, and can
choose to negotiate their own projects or be
and Ulli is eager to see the
put in contact with a client by the University.
recommendations which This is a great opportunity to enhance
they make. their CVs, especially when the websites are
launched.

8. Page 8 BusinessWise April 2011 / Spring Edition
Northampton Business School is delighted to announce a
very special event:
Sports leisure & Marketing Conference and workshop
The global Impact of the Olympics
wednesday 13th July 2011
Together with The Academy of Marketing and the Professor Andy Miah, PhD, is Chair of Ethics
Chartered Institute of Marketing, the event is to be and Emerging Technologies in the Faculty of Business
a uniquely designed forum for debate & discussion & Creative Industries at the University of the West
surrounding the impact of the London Olympics in of Scotland, Global Director for the Centre for Policy
2012 and the bourgeoning field of Sports Leisure and and Emerging Technologies, Fellow of the Institute for
Marketing. Ethics and Emerging Technologies, USA and Fellow at
FACT, the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology,
Submission of abstracts is invited on UK. He is co-editor of Sport Technology: History,
all aspects of the global importance of Philosophy and Policy (2002).
the Olympics in a Sports Leisure and The conference will interest:
Marketing context.
• Researchers and academics in Marketing, Sports
Workshop themes will be developed around submitted Marketing, Leisure and other relevant disciplines in
articles and the Conference will form a platform for Events and Marketing Communications
an International Olympics conference to be held at the • Sports Marketing Practitioners and Agencies
University in 2012. • Sporting Organisations and Properties
• Sporting and Olympic athletes
Keynote speakers:
Venue: Northampton Business School, Boughton
Professor Mike Weed, PhD is Professor of Sport Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL
in Society and Director of Research in Sport Science,
Tourism and Leisure at Canterbury Christ Church Advanced registration is essential.
University. Professor Weed is also Director of SPEAR Cost £90.00 per person.
(the Centre for Sport, Physical Education & Activity
Research). For further information, please contact
michelle.smith@northampton.ac.uk
Editorial Contact and School Manager: Jennifer Catlin Tel : 01604 892921 (E&OE)
email: jennifer.catlin@northampton.ac.uk
www.northampton.ac.uk