Strathclyde Business School is delighted to announce an award of £10,000 from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation in support of its Family Business Lecture Series.
Professor Eleanor Shaw, Head of the Hunter Centre said, "Baxters is one of the best known family businesses in Scotland with an enviable global brand. Philanthropic support of this kind from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation is a very powerful demonstration of belief in the University and its people and in particular confidence in the ambitions for our family business activities. In Gordon Baxter's words we hope to 'be different, be better'.
"The University is committed to the advancement of family business and enterprise and this award will ensure we are able to attract some of Scotland's best family businesses to share their wisdom and experience among our staff, students and alumni."
Previous speakers have included representatives from Mackies of Scotland, Wm Grant and Sons, Walkers Shortbread, Ardtornish Estate and Mactaggart and Mickel, covering a range of topics from growing the business to succession.
There is a strong connection with the University and the Baxters family going back to Gordon Baxter’s honorary degree and this award will only serve to strengthen the relationship.
Kay Jackson, Foundation Manager, commented, "The Baxter family has long admired the commitment and enthusiasm of all those at the University of Strathclyde who strive to encourage young people to aspire to be the best they can be. Trustees of The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation are delighted to be able to support the Family Business Lecture series and look forward to working together on this and other projects in the future."
The most recent family business lecture was Mairi Mickel, 4th generation owner of Mactaggart & Mickel, chair of the Mickel Fund and Family Business Advisor, who spoke on February 25. Hunter Centre academic Dr Niall MacKenzie wrote a recent blog following on from Mairi's lecture and picking up on one of her themes on succession and the challenge it presents for family businesses.