Anglia Ruskin adds to third sector expertise

Published: 9 July 2013 at 15:41

John Thompson is appointed as new Professor of Social Entrepreneurship

Anglia Ruskin University has appointed John Thompson as its new Professor of Social Entrepreneurship.

Professor Thompson, who also holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Huddersfield, is an active researcher and writer, focusing on applied strategy and entrepreneurship.

He is recognised as one of the UK’s leading authors on strategic management. The seventh edition of his textbook Strategic Management will be published later this year, while Entrepreneurs: Talent, Temperament and Opportunity, co-authored with Bill Bolton, is now in its third edition.

Professor Thompson has extensive experience of working with senior and middle managers through his involvement in knowledge transfer partnerships, in-company programmes and consultancy. In 2009, he received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion.

He will work closely with Andy Brady, Director of the 3rd Sector Futures department, to continue to develop Anglia Ruskin’s expertise in the field of charities and the third sector, which already includes the two-year Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Charity and Social Enterprise Management.

Professor Thompson said:

“Social entrepreneurship continues to grow in significance in communities everywhere and it is important that we understand more about the entrepreneurs themselves – who they are, what they do and what they achieve and contribute – and to tell their stories. But I also believe in practice-led research and teaching, and will look to develop relevant new initiatives.”

Dr Trevor Bolton, Dean of the Lord Ashcroft International Business School, said:

“John brings with him an enviable and well-established reputation with businesses, policy makers and the academic community within the field of social enterprise and entrepreneurship.
“This appointment demonstrates our on-going commitment to developing the charity and third sector, and supporting its role in developing business and society.”