BA Business and Leadership Conference

Saturday 1st March | Location: UWS Blantyre Campus

Join us for the first in a series of BA Business and Leadership Conferences, designed exclusively for students on the BA Business and Leadership course.

Taking place at The University of the West of Scotland, Blantyre Campus, this event will connect you with industry leaders, giving you the chance to explore the latest business leadership trends, innovations and career insights.

This is more than just a conference—it’s a space to share ideas, gain real-world knowledge and build valuable connections with professionals who’ve been there, done it and are shaping the future of business.

No matter your background or experience, you’ll leave with practical strategies and inspiration to use throughout your course.

Be part of the conversation this March.

On the day

9.30am - Registration
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10.00am - Welcome

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive New College Lanarkshire

10.15 - Key note speakers

David Equi, CEO at Equi's Ice Cream
Michael Cusack, Chief Sustainability Officer at ACS

10.30am - Leadership in Industry

Panel discussion lead by Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive New College Lanarkshire, followed by audience Q&A.

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11.30am – Networking
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12.00am – Lunch
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1.00pm – Business and Leadership Workshops

Session 1: Emerging Issues in Business
Session 2: Contemporary Consumer Behaviour and Fundamentals of Leadership
Session 3: Fundamentals of Leadership

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3.00pm – Finish

Speakers

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire

Professor Christopher Moore has been Principal and Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire since November, 2019. He was previously Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor at York St John University and has worked at an executive level for almost 25 years within the Higher and Further Education sector. As well as a vast amount of experience in leadership in education, Professor Moore comes from a business management background, with a PhD in marketing and has worked at Boardroom level with many leading brands including Marks and Spencer. Having lived in Lanarkshire most of his life, Professor Moore is passionate about removing barriers to education and advancing life, economic, cultural and social opportunities within the region.

David Equi, CEO at Equi's Ice Cream

David Equi joined the renowned family ice cream business in 1988 after graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Business. The business was founded in Hamilton in 1922 by David’s grandfather Pietro and quickly established a reputation for excellence. David’s involvement has seen an exponential growth in the business, which in 2022 saw it move to a state-of-the-art base which is 45 times larger than its predecessor. In 2021 David’s daughter Alex became the fourth generation family member to join the business after completing her business degree at Glasgow University. In 2023 The Princess Royal visited the factory to mark the 101st anniversary of the founding of Equi’s.

Michael Cusack, Head of Sustainability and Business Transformation at ACS

Michael Cusack is Head of Sustainability at ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions) based at Eurocentral. A key component of the ACS ethos is its mission to enable brands and retailers to extend the life of clothing and reduce textile waste in landfill while maintaining profitability. In his role Michael has led ACS teams which have received a King’s Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development and have picked up three VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards. Michael’s previous roles have included working as a Consultant for Transport for London and as Learning and Organisational Development Services Director at Laing O’Rourke.