The only way is ethics for St Mary’s University Twickenham, who have launched an innovative business school determined to do things differently. 

Since the financial crash in 2008, business schools have been attacked by sceptics who argue they have been churning out leaders committed to nothing other than the bottom line. 

St Mary’s, ranked the best University in London for student satisfaction in the 2018 National Student Survey, have made good on a pledge to provide a compelling alternative.  

Its new and exciting School of Business and Society was given a grand launch on Tuesday lunchtime at Mansion House, a perfect location embedded in the heart of the city. 

Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority Andrew Bailey, who delivered a compelling keynote speech on the subject of ‘trust’, lauded the project and its timely aims. 

“A school bringing business and society together right from its title is unique, but it’s also an obvious link to make,” said Bailey, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.   

“Trust is an important issue in business, particularly in financial services which has gone through a crisis in the last ten years. 

“I welcome the fact St Mary’s are focussing on this issue and the university has a lot they can contribute. 

“There’s no magic solution to this question but education, study, research and training have a lot to contribute in this area.”

The new School, adding to already-existing courses in Business, Politics, Public Policy and Communication, will offer unique benefits to students through partnership with industry. 

Business leaders will actually help deliver courses, while each student will be offered a work placement and linked to a ‘practice mentor’ in the business community. 

The launch event was hosted by Mark Hoban, former MP for Fareham and cabinet Minister for Work and Pensions during David Cameron’s tenure as Prime Minister. 

Hoban, a visiting professor at St Mary’s, outlined just how perfect the timing of the launch of the course is.  

“It’s a major step forward for the university, offering something that’s very unique and distinctive for the students of today,” he said.

“I’ve seen a lot of business practice and this course makes a contribution because it provides context. Some of the output of business schools is narrow and focussed on the balance sheet.

“Millennials are often attracted to certain business due to its values, so I think this is an important step in the life of our economy.”