The “Pentland Centre”, which will be based in Lancaster University Management School, will look at sustainability, ethical trade and how business can be a force for good in a constantly changing environment.

Drawing on diverse expertise from all faculties within Lancaster University, including Lancaster University Management School and the Lancaster University Environment Centre – one of the leading environmental research centres in Europe – the Pentland Centre will be a place where the latest global views from across many academic disciplines are merged with business and economic perspectives to develop opportunities, understand risks and challenge the status quo.

Pentland Group plc, established in 1932, is one of the largest private businesses in the UK. It is the owner of many of the world’s most iconic sports, outdoor and fashion brands including Speedo, Canterbury and Berghaus.

As part of an initial five-year partnership with the university, this arrangement will also see the creation of a special post – The Rubin Chair, to focus on sustainability in business.

Stephen Rubin, Chairman of Pentland Group plc, said: “We are excited by this opportunity to facilitate academic research through a commercial lens and have high hopes that this centre will emerge as a thought-leader in this fascinating and important field.”

Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University said: “Lancaster University is home to some of the world’s leading thinkers in environmental sustainability, ethical issues and business.

“This fantastic collaboration with Pentland, and the creation of the Pentland Centre, will enable top academics from a wide range of disciplines across these areas to contribute to helping businesses across global markets to evolve the sustainability and corporate responsibility of their operations.”

 

Andy Rubin will give a guest lecture titled 'Building on brands and culture in an increasingly complex and global world' at Lancaster University Management School on 21 May 2014. Find out more.