Purple graphic with text '60 years of AMBS 1965-2025'

60 years of Alliance Manchester Business School

For six decades, we have empowered leaders, thinkers, and visionaries across the globe.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we're inspired to look ahead - redefining business education and illuminating the future of enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Two men stood in front of a large panoramic screen displaying data in the Data Visualisation Observatory at AMBS

Shaping the next chapter of innovation and impact in business

In 2025, we explore what’s next for business through an exciting series of special events, thought-provoking lectures and experiences.

While we celebrate six decades of excellence, our eyes remain firmly on the future. The challenges of tomorrow demand bold, innovative solutions - at AMBS, we're leading the way.

Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance Manchester Business School

60th anniversary events

Check out our range of exciting events throughout 2025 and join us to celebrate 60 years at the forefront of business education.

We'll be adding much more to our programme of events throughout the year - watch this space.

January

21 - 22 January: Work and Equality Institute Fairness at Work biennial conference

This conference brings together leading academics and practitioners to explore fairness and equality in the workplace. They'll explore how rethinking fairness and equality can create more humane and fulfilling workplaces, even in today's socially, politically and economically challenging landscape.

21 January: Work-Net Launch

The Work-Net Launch will take place during the WEI's Fairness at Work biennial conference.

28 January: Vital Topics: From Create to Innovate: A Pathway to Productive People, Firms, and Places

This event features a lecture from worldwide expert on rapid-innovation-based industries, Professor Dan Breznitz, and a panel discussion about the meaning of 'innovation' within global business.

Book your place

March

Annual Grigor McClelland lecture

Our annual lecture is back for a 60th special in March. The lecture honours AMBS' founder, Director Professor Grigor McClelland, and explores the interaction between business, education and social responsibility.

5 March: Annual Fred Jevons Lecture

For this lecture we're joined by John Krige, Professor of the History of Science at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emeritus.

The Fred Jevons Science Policy Lecture commemorates the founding professor of 'Liberal Studies in Science' at The University of Manchester.

June

16-20 June: Festival of Business

This week-long 60th anniversary festival will bring together leaders, thinkers and visionaries to discuss the present and future of business and enterprise.

The festival will have dedicated days for the third sector, schools and colleges and entrepreneurs. We'll hear from some of the country's most inspirational disruptors and visionaries in business world, looking to the future of enterprise.

November

Annual Teddy Chester lecture

This annual lecture marks the contribution of Teddy Chester, who was the first professor of social administration at The University of Manchester.

Throughout 2025

Vital Topics Global

In 2025, we'll be taking our prestigious lecture series to each of our international centres. We'll draw on the unique opportunities in each region to position AMBS as an international powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Each event will showcase the future of industry through visionary leaders and inspiring voices.

Women Leading in Business

We're hosting 10 Women Leading in Business networking events throughout 2025.

At these events you can speak to like-minded business women and share your knowledge and expertise. Come along to make new connections in an informal setting.