Professor Hannah Holmes is the Dean of the Business School and a Professor of Business Education at Manchester Metropolitan University. We had the pleasure of interviewing her to find out more about her role and her plans for the future of the university’s Business School.

With extensive experience in academia, Holmes’ career is marked by a strong commitment to inclusive education and a strengths-based approach that empowers students to realise their potential. She is passionate about working collaboratively with students, faculty colleagues, and international partners to drive innovation in business education.

Supporting the Business School’s faculty to thrive is a key focus of Holmes’ leadership, ensuring that the business school provides a nurturing environment for both teaching and research excellence. Manchester Metropolitan University Business School is dedicated to transforming lives and communities, guided by a mission to inspire and support a diverse student body.

We took a deeper look at Holmes’ role in the business school.

What is your favourite part of your role as Dean?

As Dean, I am particularly passionate about our school’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and transforming lives, businesses, and communities. Working alongside a committed team of academics and professional services staff, I am constantly inspired by their dedication to enhancing our educational offerings. Our global community, enriched by partnerships and research collaborations, is well supported by accreditation bodies, which help us continuously improve.

Manchester Metropolitan University, as a whole, is an ambitious and exciting place to work, known for its excellence in education and world-leading research that makes a tangible impact on society. The vibrant city of Manchester, with its rich cultural heritage and thriving business scene, provides an ideal backdrop for their activities. This combination allows us to make a significant impact on students’ lives, support government policy, and contribute to broader societal goals.

How is business education adapting to the changes in the education and business landscapes?

We continuously adapt our business education to align with global changes, focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, and ethical leadership. Our programmes emphasise experiential learning, supported by our strong network of industry partnerships and our top ranking for Management Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in the UK, bridging the gap between academia and industry, driving growth and efficiency in the business community. Degree Apprenticeships are a key component of our strategy, providing students with valuable hands-on experience and skills directly applicable to the workforce.

Additionally, through the Centre for Enterprise, we engage extensively with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering support and fostering innovation to over 3,000 businesses. We also prioritise work-integrated learning, ensuring students gain real-world experience through internships, live projects, and industry collaborations, which are integral to our approach.

What hopes do you have for your business graduates?

I hope that our graduates will carry forward our mission of transforming lives, businesses, and communities. We aim to produce leaders who are innovative, ethical, and socially responsible. Our diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation and ethnic minority students, reflects our commitment to inclusive education. I envision our graduates making impactful contributions globally, driven by the skills and values they have developed in our Business School.

We strive for them to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers, equipped to handle the complexities of a globalised economy and capable of driving sustainable practices in their respective fields. I also really hope they maintain a lifelong passion for learning and personal development, continually adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

How do you see business education evolving in the future?

Reflecting on the future of business education, I see a landscape increasingly shaped by technological advancements, globalisation, and an urgent need for sustainability. It will be essential to find ways to be agile, work closely with industry partners, and create a curriculum that extends authentically across disciplinary boundaries to shape future leaders equipped with the necessary skills to address global challenges.

To thrive in today’s complex environment, it is essential for business education to be both locally rooted and globally informed. Understanding the specific needs of our local and regional communities allows us to tailor educational experiences that are relevant and impactful, while also preparing students to tackle global challenges with agility and insight.

At Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, we are committed to leading these changes with an exciting and distinctive approach. Our strengths-based methodology helps students understand and harness their unique abilities, preparing them for dynamic careers. We emphasise interdisciplinary learning, integrating fields like technology, design, and social sciences, and work closely with industry partners to provide real-world insights and opportunities. Our curriculum incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and data analytics, ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the skills and adaptability needed to excel.

By fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and lifelong learning, we not only prepare students for professional success but also empower them to make meaningful contributions to society and the economy.

For additional insights, announcements, and perspectives on deans, visit the conversation here.