Back to school as Sir Ken opens campus

Sir Ken Morrison said the completion of the Sir Titus Salt Building represented the latest success of the internationally-renowned Bradford University School of Management.

He told the audience he attended evening classes at the school during the 1960s and said some of the lessons he learned are still being used in the Morrisons supermarket group.

He said the new development, which includes a Harvard-style lecture theatre and library, "brings distinction to the city and further enhances the reputation of Bradford".

Sir Ken said: "For the benefit of those who don't know, I am the genuine article. I am born and bred in Bradford. I was educated just across the road at another educational establishment known as Bradford Grammar School.

"I spent my whole working life in the city and one of my last acts as chairman of Morrisons was to open a large head office in Bradford. It was expensive and it represented a great act of faith in the city.

"I was comfortable with the decision as there is something special about the character of its citizens who are fair-minded, tolerant and industrious."

Sir Ken spoke of his memories growing up in Bradford when the city was still a dominant force in the wool trade. He also recalled the rise and subsequent fall of the manufacturing industry in the city and its recent hardships.

"It has experienced many local difficulties but the true spirit of Bradford prevails. Today we see before us what can be achieved. Nowhere is the fighting spirit of the city better illustrated than here today."

Daniel Salt, the great, great grandson of Sir Titus Salt, the Victorian philanthropist, cut the ribbon on the new building. His great grandfather laid the foundation stone at Emm Lane in 1874.

The event was also notable for the valedictory lecture of Professor Arthur Francis, who retires next month after serving 12 years as Dean and director of the School of Management.

The summer lecture covered profits, performance and well-being and how business schools can make a difference. Prof Francis said business schools and business should work closer together to help foster

economic growth.

Professor Mark Cleary, the vice-chancellor and principal of Bradford University, said: "He has been a huge asset to the school and a fantastic ambassador for the university."

Mark Andrews, the chairman of the school's advisory board and the former chief executive of NG Bailey, gave the vote of thanks and said: "Arthur is going to be a hard act to follow."

The new Dean, Dr Sarah Dixon, a former international strategist with Shell, starts work in September.