Preparing students for leadership in a rapidly evolving world

Published on 18, November, 2025

Students at the University of Sunderland have been given an invaluable insight into how leading organisations like Nissan build resilience and thrive in a disruptive world.

The Industry Insights Conference 3.0, aimed specifically at BA (Hons) Business and Management and Master of Business Administration (MBA) students, offered a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, gain a practical understanding of business strategy and explore career pathways that align with the changing demands of the global market.

The theme – Bridging theory and industry to develop future-ready leaders in a disruptive world – explored how students can apply academic learning to real-world business challenges. 

Held on Monday 17 November, the event – attended by more than 300 students – brought together academics and leading experts for a practical, informative session at the University’s Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre, St Peter’s Campus.

Industry speakers from Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Atom Bank, Darchem Engineering, and Thirteen Housing Group shared real-world perspectives on business continuity, resilience, strategic leadership and sustainability.

Through a keynote address, an industry panel discussion and learning integration session, the conference equips students with future-ready insights and the skills to succeed in today's volatile marketplace.

Industry speakers were:

• Steven Laidlow, Senior Learning and Development Controller, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
• Jack Broome, Learning & Development controller, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
• Andrew Scott, Head of HR, Darchem Engineering, UK
• Carolyn Halpin, Head of Assurance & Compliance, Thirteen Housing Group, UK
• Mo Randeree, Head of Operational Resilience, Atom Bank, UK
• Russ Parramore, Business Continuity Manager, DHL (Guest Speaker)

The Industry Insights Conference 3.0 is a flagship event hosted annually by the University’s School of Business to bridge theory and industry practice, giving students the opportunity to listen and interact with employers embedded in the modules for the academic year. 

Dr Ifeanyi Onyemere, Lecturer in Business and Management at the University of Sunderland, who hosted the event, said: “This event was curated with our students in mind. It allows them to hear directly from industry practitioners and understand how organisations put into practice the concepts we teach in the classroom.

 “It helps them connect theory with reality and gives them clearer insight as they approach assessments and plan their future careers.”

Andrew Scott, Head of HR at Darchem Engineering, added: “Events like these are crucial for graduate students to gain real insights into the connection between academia and industry realities.

“As an alumnus of the University, I valued opportunities to meet professionals and experts because they help students build that connection for themselves and better prepared me for the future world of work.”

For more information on studying a Business and Management degree at the University of Sunderland, click here. 

For more on the MBA, click here. 

For other Business and Management courses, click here.

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