Business Challenges and Innovation: An Industry–Academia Dialogue
About this Event
The Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk (CAIR) at Alliance Manchester Business School invites senior business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and professional advisers to an exclusive breakfast forum exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping organisations today.
This complimentary event combines expert insights, peer discussion, and practical perspectives on some of the most pressing issues facing organisations, including risk management, sustainability, governance, workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organisational performance.
A complimentary breakfast will be provided on arrival, with an optional networking lunch following the event. Attendance, breakfast, and lunch are all free of charge.
Rather than a traditional conference, this forum is designed as a two-way conversation between industry and academia. Through a series of short presentations and facilitated roundtable discussions, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss emerging challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The aim is to better understand the issues organisations face and examine how research can support innovation, decision-making, and long-term value creation.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for senior professionals and decision-makers, including:
- Leaders in accounting, finance, and legal services
- Partners, directors, and senior managers
- Corporate executives and board members
- Technology and professional service providers
- Regulators and policymakers
- Investors and governance professionals
Places are limited to encourage meaningful discussion and interaction among participants.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration
Info: A selection of teas, coffees, and fruit juice will accompany fresh baked pastries and fruit.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:40 AM
Welcome
Host: Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance MBS
🕑: 09:40 AM - 10:00 AM
From Research to Impact: How CAIR Helps Organisations Navigate Risk & Change
Host: Vlad-Andrei Porumb, Director of CAIR and Associate Profe
Info: An introduction to CAIR and examples of how research can support organisations facing challenges related to governance, reporting, sustainability, workforce transformation, and emerging technologies.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Sustainability, Green Claims, Business Trust: Navigating Opportunities & Risk
Host: Marie Dutordoir, Professor of Finance
Info: How organisations and investors respond to sustainability-related risks and opportunities, and what this means for corporate strategy and performance. With short Q&A.
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
AI, Accountability & Professional Judgment: Effective Organisational Oversight
Host: Tamara Lambert, Professor of Accounting
Info: How advances in AI and analytics are transforming business processes, risk management, and strategic decision-making. With short Q&A.
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Corporate Governance, ESG, and Long-Term Value Creation
Host: Konstantinos Stathopoulos, Professor of Accounting and F
Info: How effective governance and ESG practices can strengthen organisational resilience, build stakeholder trust, and drive long-term value creation. With short Q&A.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
Info: Teas and coffees available.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Roundtable Discussions
Info: Topics include but not limited to:
What are the most significant challenges facing your organisation today?
How is AI changing your organisation, and what support do you need?
What workforce and talent challenges are proving most difficult to solve?
What information do investors, lenders, and other stakeholders need that is not being adequately captured by current reporting systems?
How are sustainability and stakeholder expectations reshaping business decisions?
How can universities and businesses collaborate more effectively?
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Optional Networking Lunch
Info: A mezze style complimentary lunch will be provided.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
