University Academy 92 has appointed Warren Middleton as chair of its new business advisory board.
The board will provide advice and guidance to the higher education institution’s Business School, which opened last September in Salford.
Middleton will bring together a deliberately different board of professionals from the Greater Manchester ecosystem, with the aim of fostering collaboration and innovation between UA92 – co-founded by Manchester United’s famed ‘Class of ‘92’ and Lancaster University – and business.
The board’s expertise will help underpin curriculum relevance, guide graduate employability and foster innovation at the Business School.
UA92 is committed to making higher education accessible to all, no matter the background, through its founding principles of accessibility, social mobility and inclusivity.
It offers a portfolio of degree and higher education courses across business, sport, media and digital disciplines, preparing students for the world of work by offering industry-led courses.
“I was delighted to accept this fantastic opportunity to help shape today’s learners into tomorrow’s game-changing leaders,” said Middleton, who has recently retired from KPMG – where he has been senior partner in the Manchester Office since 2019 – after 27 years.
“I’ve been closely involved with UA92 since its inception: at KPMG we sponsored UA92’s social mobility strategy and I’m very proud of all the work we’re undertaken to support students.
“I’m really looking forward to working with a team of like-minded professionals driven by the desire to transform young lives.”
The UA92 campus is based in Old Trafford Manchester, with a new 36,000 sq ft UA92 Business School now open in Manchester city centre.
Working in partnership with leading industry names including Microsoft, TalkTalk, KPMG and Manchester United, students benefit from mentors, guest lectures and work experience opportunities, in addition to character and personal development guidance, and financial support beyond traditional scholarships and government loans.
Sara Prowse, UA92 CEO, commented: “There’s seriously no one better placed than Warren to take on this innovative role and we are so pleased he agreed to lend his expertise and time.
“He has been a stalwart advocate of UA92 and has already supported the journeys of so many of our students.
“His professional expertise, networks and sheer passion for social mobility will help shape and drive this advisory board, keeping us modern and relevant and offering insight on emerging trends and business needs that will mould and shape our talent pipeline.”