We’re pleased to share that our Director, Rob Binns, has been appointed as a Professor in Practice at the University of Lancashire’s Business School.
The appointment is part of the Business School’s drive to embed employer-led innovation into its courses, giving students greater access to real-world expertise and creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs across the North West.
Rob joins fellow leaders Professor Miranda Barker OBE DL, Chief Executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, and Professor Marcello Trovati, an academic expert in digital transformation and AI. Together, they will bring a wealth of experience from business and industry into the classroom.
Rob is also committed to supporting the business community through mentoring start-ups and early-stage companies, as well as his roles with Preston Partnership, Downtown in Business, Lancashire’s Towns Fund Board, and the Lancashire Early-Stage Investment Board, among others.
Speaking about the appointment, Rob said:
“The University plays a pivotal role in bringing education and business together, with the Business School connecting students with the private sector in a way that creates jobs, sparks new ideas and strengthens the local economy. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge.”
Professor Steven Rhoden, Dean of the University of Lancashire Business School, highlighted the importance of employer-led learning, saying:
“Digital transformation and entrepreneurship are vital to Lancashire’s future economic resilience and growth. The appointment of Professors Trovati, Binns and Barker brings to the Business School three talented leaders to support students and regional businesses to succeed and grow.”
This appointment further strengthens the links between the University and Lancashire’s business community, creating opportunities for students while also helping local businesses access fresh talent, ideas and innovation.