New Dean Takes the Helm at UWL’s Claude Littner Business School

The University of West London has appointed Dr Richard Courtney as the new Dean of the Claude Littner Business School, bringing more than two decades of higher education experience to the Ealing-based university.

A new Dean has taken the helm at one of the University of West London's major schools, with a focus on entrepreneurship, leadership and creating opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Dr Richard Courtney has been appointed Dean of the Claude Littner Business School (CLBS) at the University of West London.

His appointment brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, including senior leadership roles spanning business education, entrepreneurship and international development.

The new Dean says he wants to build on the school's existing strengths while ensuring students develop the skills, confidence and connections needed for their future careers.

At a Glance

• Dr Richard Courtney is the new Dean of the Claude Littner Business School

• The school is part of the University of West London

• UWL's main campus is in Ealing

• Dr Courtney brings more than 20 years' higher education experience

• His background includes leadership, entrepreneurship and international education

• He has previously held senior roles at Regent's University London

• He has also worked at the University of Hertfordshire

• His priorities include entrepreneurship and developing opportunities for students

• Strengthening links between education and business is also part of his focus

More Than 20 Years in Higher Education

Dr Courtney arrives at UWL with extensive experience in university education and leadership.

Before joining the Claude Littner Business School, he held senior positions at Regent's University London, including leadership responsibilities within its business and management provision.

His career has also included work at the University of Hertfordshire.

Across those roles, he has been involved in areas including business education, entrepreneurship, leadership and developing international academic partnerships.

That experience will now be brought to the Claude Littner Business School as it continues developing its courses and relationships with employers and industry.

Preparing Students for the World of Business

One of the recurring challenges for modern business schools is ensuring that students leave university with more than academic qualifications.

Employers increasingly look for practical skills, confidence, adaptability and an understanding of how organisations operate.

For Dr Courtney, strengthening the relationship between academic study and the realities of business is therefore an important part of the role.

That includes giving students opportunities to develop entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills while connecting their studies to employers and the wider business community.

For an Ealing-based university surrounded by thousands of businesses across west London, those connections can be particularly valuable.

Entrepreneurship in the Spotlight

Entrepreneurship is expected to be an important theme under the new Dean.

For some students, studying business is preparation for joining an established organisation.

For others, the ambition is to build something themselves.

Supporting students who want to develop ideas, launch businesses or become self-employed can therefore be just as important as preparing graduates for traditional employment.

The Claude Littner Business School already puts significant emphasis on employability and enterprise.

Dr Courtney's background in entrepreneurship gives him an opportunity to develop that further.

Creating Opportunities for Students

Another priority is widening opportunity.

The University of West London has a diverse student population, with many students combining their studies with employment, family responsibilities or other commitments.

Business education can provide a route into management, professional careers and entrepreneurship for students from many different backgrounds.

Ensuring those students have access not only to teaching but also to professional networks, mentoring and practical business experience can play an important role in what happens after graduation.

That makes relationships with employers and entrepreneurs particularly significant.

A Business School With a Familiar Name

The school carries the name of British businessman Claude Littner, widely known to television audiences through The Apprentice.

But his connection with UWL goes considerably deeper than television.

Littner has had a long-standing relationship with the university and served as a visiting professor before the business school was renamed in his honour.

The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across areas including business, management, accounting, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.

Part of Ealing's Education and Business Community

The University of West London is one of Ealing's largest educational institutions.

Its main campus on St Mary's Road in Ealing places thousands of students within walking distance of Ealing Broadway and the town centre.

That gives the university an interesting position within the local economy.

Students are studying business in an area containing everything from independent shops and professional practices to hospitality businesses, technology companies and major employers.

Closer links between those businesses and the university can potentially provide internships, placements, guest speakers, projects and employment opportunities for students.

At the same time, businesses can gain access to graduate talent, research and new ideas.

Building the Next Chapter

A new Dean does not transform a business school overnight.

But leadership changes provide an opportunity to decide where an institution wants to go next.

For the Claude Littner Business School, that next chapter is likely to place considerable emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, employability and stronger engagement with business.

Dr Courtney's appointment brings more than two decades of experience to that task.

And for students studying business in Ealing, the real measure of that next chapter will ultimately be the opportunities created both inside the university and beyond it.