Ulster University Business School (UUBS) officially launched its 50th anniversary celebrations today with a dynamic business breakfast and panel discussion focused on tackling the skills challenge facing Northern Ireland.
Held at the Conor Lecture Theatre at Ulster University's Belfast campus, the event welcomed over 240 guests from across business, education, and the public sector.
The morning brought together key voices to explore how skills needs have evolved over the last five decades - and how partnerships between education and industry will be critical in addressing the demands of the future workforce.
The discussion was chaired by BBC Northern Ireland Economics and Business Editor, John Campbell and featured a high-profile panel including:
- Caroline Van Der Feltz, HR Director, Danske Bank
- David Crozier CBE, Director, Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre
- Jackie Henry, Managing Partner (People and Purpose), Deloitte
- John Healy, Chair of Invest NI Council
- Lynne Rainey, Chair of Strategic Employer Advisory Board, Ulster University Business School
Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor Gillian Armstrong, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, welcomed attendees and reflected on the School’s enduring role in shaping business talent and leadership in the region.
Reflecting on the wider significance of the milestone, Professor Paul Seawright, said:
"Marking 50 years of Ulster University Business School is about more than celebrating the past - it’s about reaffirming our role in shaping the future. The School has consistently adapted to meet the needs of a changing economy, and through its strong links with industry and commitment to innovation, it continues to play a pivotal role in driving regional growth and opportunity."
Speaking on the importance of partnership and forward-thinking education, Professor Gillian Armstrong said:
“As we mark 50 years of delivering transformational outcomes for business, this event allows us to pause and reflect on how the skills agenda has evolved - and critically, how we respond to future challenges through collaborative partnerships with business, education and government.
"Our School was founded on a spirit of innovation and connection with industry, through our people, and today, UUBS continues to fulfil its mission: to empower students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, drive opportunity and grow a talented, skilled pipeline. It is this pipeline - built through our partnerships and powered by our people - that strengthens businesses, communities and economies, both here in Northern Ireland and far beyond."
The event, themed "Responding to the Skills Challenge through Partnership - Past, Present, and Future", marked the first in a year-long programme of celebrations to honour UUBS’s legacy and impact since its foundation half a century ago.
From modest beginnings in 1975 with just 40 staff and 300 undergraduate students, Ulster University Business School has grown to become one of the largest on the island of Ireland, now supporting over 10,000 students and a global alumni network of 60,000 across 120 countries .
Over the decades, it has led the way with innovative programmes - from launching its first-degree programme in Business Studies, followed by the first full-time degree in Accounting within the UK, both in 1975. It has also pioneered hospitality management education in the UK and a range of strategic learning partnerships to support organisational development.
Over the last 10 years, the Business School has developed Northern Ireland’s first-degree apprenticeship in Business Technology and currently offers the largest degree apprenticeship programme in Leading on Customer Operations.
Speaking at the event Jackie Henry, Managing Partner (People and Purpose) at Deloitte said:
“Ulster University plays a vital role in supporting industry and strengthening the Northern Ireland economy. From our experience working together, it stands out for its collaborative approach and deep understanding of employers’ needs, co-creating tailored degree programmes, widening access to professional careers, and building a diverse talent pipeline for the future. I commend their responsiveness and commitment to aligning education with business needs to help drive sector growth and regional economic resilience.”
As the flagship Business Studies programme enters its 50th year, the School continues to evolve to meet future needs with the launch of the Global Business and Business Studies degree courses in the North West.
Highlighting the University’s impact, John Healy, Chair of Invest NI, said:
"Ulster University Business School has been a cornerstone of economic development in Northern Ireland - not just through its outstanding talent development, but in its ability to collaborate across disciplines and respond to real industry needs. From powering major employers with future-ready graduates to leading innovation in areas like RegTech and AI, the Business School is shaping a more agile, balanced, and resilient economy for Northern Ireland - including in the North West, where the pipeline of skills from the University is contributing greatly to regional balance in the economy."
Strengthening its impact through research, UUBS is home to several respected centres including the Centre for Sustainable Family Enterprise, the Centre for Financial and Regulatory Technology, the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, and the Food and Drink Business Development Centre – each playing a vital role in tackling regional and global challenges through partnership, innovation and thought leadership.
The 50th anniversary year will include a series of high-profile events, professorial lectures and industry-led discussions reflecting on five decades of excellence in business education and regional impact.
Further information on UUBS’s 50th anniversary programme can be found at ulster.ac.uk/uubs-50-years.