Bringing business together at Teesside University

Digital innovation and developments in technology were looked at by Dr Rona Fairhead at Teesside University Business School annual conference.

Teesside University honorary graduate Dr Rona Fairhead CBE was addressing company representatives from across the region at the annual conference, which presents speakers who can provide a perspective on issues which matter to business.

Dr Fairhead, chief executive of the Financial Times Group, one of the most senior positions in British publishing, looked at developments in digital media during her talk - Turning challenge into opportunity through innovation.

She said: 'Technology is changing our lives and businesses need to respond as the pace is accelerating.'

She explained how the newspaper industry is responding to rapid changes in technology, looking at the impact it has had on traditional print newspapers and developments in digital media.

The Harvard Business School graduate spent many years working in the Tees Valley as executive vice-president for strategy and finance at ICI. She urged companies to become more innovative but remain clear to what the customer wants.

David Bowles OBE, chairman of hydrogen generation business Inova Power Ltd, spoke about the emerging hydrogen economy, which could prove to be the high-tech, low carbon solution for the UK’s energy needs in coming years.

Mr Bowles, who has an MBA from Teesside University, explained how hydrogen is the most abundant substance in the universe with modern technology making it safe and easy to use.

Professor Michael Macaulay, whose research interests are in integrity and corruption, looked at bribery and business, while Kiersten Wasson, Teesside University Business School Assistant Dean (Acting), Marketing & Student Recruitment, looked at how the University is working with businesses and ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills employers want.

Alastair Thomson, Teesside University Business School’s Dean, said: 'Our annual conference offers businesses an opportunity to share ideas to make their organisations more profitable, more stable and more sustainable, even in these tough times.'

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