Professor John Mahon, Chair of International Business Policy and Strategy, and Professor of Management at the Maine Business School, University of Maine, presented a talk on “Raising Entrepreneurs; the Role of the University” to the audience of Shropshire business and community representatives.

University of Chester Visiting Professor, Peter Starbuck, and Professor Phil Harris, Executive Director of the University of Chester Business Research Institute, co-hosted the event, which is the first in a series of Research Seminars to be held at the University Centre.

Professor Mahon talked about providing students, faculties, staff and alumni with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to become an innovator and entrepreneur, and the importance of community involvement.

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said:

“This research seminar was another first for University Centre Shrewsbury, after recently welcoming our pioneering postgraduates.

“We were delighted that Professor Mahon was able to present research and answer questions today, drawing on his considerable experience in business ethics, strategy and corporate social responsibility.

“This marks the start of a series of seminars supporting the work of our four research areas, and bringing leading academics together to consider opportunities and challenges facing Shropshire, with a national and global significance.

“We hope these will be of interest to a range of local organisations, and will help in thinking about and developing the role of the University Centre in the life of Shropshire.”

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“University Centre Shrewsbury will enhance the region’s economic prospects, particularly in encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial activity.  Professor Mahon’s seminar got right to the heart of the opportunities universities can offer.”

Professor Mahon said:

“I was very honoured to be asked to present University Centre Shrewsbury’s first research seminar.  I hope that the seminar helped to stimulate ideas and get people involved.”

Marian Tidswell, who was in the audience, added:

“I found the seminar interesting and stimulating.  The project has been well thought out and I wish the University Centre every success.”

In January 2014, Professor Mahon was appointed as a Visiting Professor to the University of Chester, for a second three-year term.  He is the author or co-author of more than 140 papers and book chapters, published in a range of internationally-respected journals.

Further information

For further information about Professor John Mahon go to www.chester.ac.uk/node/9744

The four curriculum and research areas at University Centre Shrewsbury are:

•          Bioscience, health and the environment
•          Sustainable business and community development
•          Societal innovation
•          Design, heritage and the built environment.

For more details on University Centre Shrewsbury go to www.ucshrewsbury.co.uk.

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