Future business leaders receive boost from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce members - Daily Focus
Pictured from left to right are: Chris Plant, Deputy Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce; Dr Griff Round, MBA Course Director at Keele Business School; Nicola Lyons, Chamber Declarations Officer; Tom Nadin, the Chamber's Head of Projects and Business Services; Dr Colin Rigby, Director of Business Engagement at Keele Business School; and Dr Akrum Helfaya, the business school's Associate Professor in Accounting.
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Future business leaders receive boost from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce members 

1 min read

Around 100 students have benefitted from the expertise of Staffordshire businesses thanks to a special scheme. 

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Business Companion Group – a partnership between Keele Business School and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce – saw Chamber members offer expertise and insights relevant to the course content of full-time MBA students. 

As well as contributing to module content, delivery, and assessment design, they also offered additional value through interactive activities. 

In in the Organisational Strategy module, top industry leaders – including former CEOs from ASOS, DPD, and DHL – shared their expertise in live Q&A sessions.  

And in Strategic Marketing, Fiona Hawkins, owner of Stoke-on-Trent marketing agency  PlinkFizz, led a Q&A that encouraged students to challenge their assumptions, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and invigorate their approach to marketing. 

Plans are now underway to formalise and expand the group, extending its reach to additional programmes within Keele Business School. 

Dr Colin Rigby, Director of Business Engagement at Keele Business School, said: “The success of the MBA Business Companion Group is a testament to the powerful collaboration between Keele Business School and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. 

“By bringing together industry expertise and academic rigor, we are able to provide our students with a truly contemporary and immersive learning experience. 

“We look forward to building on this partnership and expanding the opportunities for real-world business engagement across more of our programmes.” 

Dr Griff Round, MBA Course Director at Keele Business School, added: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our students bridge the gap between theory and practice, and we’re excited to further integrate this approach into our future modules to ensure our curriculum continues to be dynamic and industry-relevant.” 

Chris Plant, Deputy Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, is encouraging others to get involved. 

He said: “The MBA Business Companion Group has already proven to be an excellent opportunity for both students and businesses alike. 

“If you’re a member of the Chambers and want to make a real impact by sharing your knowledge and expertise with the next generation of business leaders, I highly encourage you to sign up. It’s a fantastic way to engage with talented individuals and help shape the future of business.” 

Any members interested in getting involved should email chris.plant@staffordshirechambers.co.uk 

Hayley Johnson

Senior journalist with over 15 years’ experience writing for customers and audiences all over the world. Previous work has included everything from breaking news for national newspapers to complex business stories, in-depth human-interest features and celebrity interviews - and most things in between.

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