Sector Focus


BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS SCHOOL


Birmingham Business School scores ‘world-first’ accreditation for online MBA


By Adam Gore Marketing and Communications Manager, University of Birmingham


The University of Birmingham’s online MBA is the first in the world to receive formal accreditation from one of the leading authorities on postgraduate business education. The Association of MBAs


(AMBA) has accredited Birmingham Business School’s distance learning MBA as a wholly online programme. Previously, all AMBA accredited distance learning MBAs included a residential component, but the Birmingham programme is the first to be delivered completely online. Dr Michael Shulver, Designer


and Director of the Distance Learning MBA, said: “Securing AMBA


accreditation for Birmingham Business School’s online MBA reflects the very high standards we have set in designing and delivering this programme of study using the latest technology and teaching methods. “Previously, no institution


has ever applied for accreditation as a wholly online programme. We knew that in working with AMBA on the pilot accreditation we would be subject to increased scrutiny, and that the accreditation process would incur an element of risk. However, I am delighted at the outcome; we have re-defined the Distance Learning MBA for a 21st Century market.” Since launching in


September 2015 the programme has attracted students from over 20 countries. The courses are delivered through the University’s online learning platform and pair world-class academics with the latest teaching methods. There are three intakes per year, and more information can be found at www.birmingham.ac.uk/mba


50 CHAMBERLINK November 2016


Finance


Sponsored by: University of Birmingham


Vibrant Economy Commission launched


Grant Thornton has launched its ‘Vibrant Economy Commission’, which it says will help formulate a strategy for how the region should shape its economy. Dave Hillan (pictured), managing partner of the


firm’s Birmingham office, said the Commission was part of a ‘bold strategic agenda to ensure insights that create lasting value for the West Midlands and wider UK economy’. He said: “As a firm we've set a bold


strategic agenda anchored in our purpose of helping to shape a vibrant economy, grounded in the belief that great businesses work holistically to contribute to the system on which their sustainable growth depends. “We will shortly be launching our West Midlands inquiry, which will convene people from the public, private and third sector to look at how we can achieve this. “To add rigour to our work, we are delighted to be


able to announce the launch of our Vibrant Economy Commission made up of external people, to oversee this work and to ensure the insights create lasting value for the West Midlands and wider UK economy.” The new Commission is made up of leading names


committed to action and change, will examine the challenges and opportunities facing UK business and society. It will focus on tackling the issues affecting


companies, cities, people and communities, and identify how growth can be more equally shared to allow the UK to reach its full potential. Through a series of nationwide inquiries, the


Commission aims to stimulate new ideas and actions that will ‘shape a vibrant economy for the UK’. Will Butler-Adams, Brompton Bicycle CEO and


chairman of the Vibrant Economy Commission, said: “The purpose of this commission is not to dictate what a better UK looks like, but to ensure collaboration across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors of society. “I’m confident that this commission will


play a key role in stimulating ideas and activity that will help create a more vibrant economy – one that realises the shared potential of the UK. One in which growth is more sustainable, prosperity more widely shared, and people and communities are


better able to realise their potential.” As a first step, the commission members have put


their names to a public letter calling on representatives from the business and public sector worlds to join them to understand how they can shape a more vibrant economy for the UK. The announcement follows research conducted by


Grant Thornton and CEBR which found that untapping the potential of the UK’s economy could be worth up to £479bn by 2025.


Post-Brexit success for PKF


The corporate finance team at Midlands-based PKF Cooper Parry has reported a busy and incredibly successful last quarter, during which it completed four deals – three of which were made post- Brexit.


Earlier in the summer, the team


advised the shareholders of Tier 1 aerospace supplier North West Precision on the sale to US Private Equity firm Cartesian Capital backed Arlington Industries Group. Other recent deal highlights


include acting for the shareholders on the sale of Nottingham-based training provider Mind Click to Carlyle Cardinal backed Learning Pool and the sale of established East Midlands based pharmacy chain K.M. Brennan to PCT Healthcare. Last month the team also acted


as lead advisers on a private equity sponsored growth capital deal in the recycling sector. The Corporate Finance team is


continuing to experience significant growth on the back of a record year last year. They have recently boosted the senior team with the appointment of experienced deal- maker Phil Hinson, who joins the


firm as a director, having previously worked for PwC and Sovereign Capital. Ben Rookes, corporate finance


director, said: “Despite the uncertainty and turmoil surrounding Brexit, we are seeing no slow-down in activity and are continuing to get deals over the line. “Many private equity firms are


keen to deploy capital and invest through the cycle and we are also noticing increased activity from overseas purchasers, particularly US trade, who are interested in good quality UK assets and are keen to take advantage of the weak pound post-Brexit. “We expect to complete a


Ben Rookes: no slow down


‘Many private equity firms are keen to deploy capital and invest through the cycle and we are also noticing increased activity from overseas purchasers’


number of deals with overseas trade and PE in the next few months and will continue to invest in our team in order to meet the demands of our client and support our continued growth.” The Corporate Finance team at


Cooper Parry advises privately owned businesses, business owners, management teams and private equity firms on a range of services including company sales, acquisitions, buy-outs and development capital.


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