Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Seventy-five years ago, the 糖心原创 made an unusually bold decision: to create a degree grounded in economic theory but explicitly focused on the practical needs of industry.
Today, Industrial Economics is Britain’s only dedicated Department of Industrial Economics – and its alumni include leaders from some of the country’s biggest businesses and institutions, as well as some much less conventional career paths.
Established in 1951 and rooted in Nottingham’s industrial heritage, the programme has evolved into a distinctive combination of economics, business strategy and real-world problem-solving.
Industrial Economics at Nottingham has always paired rigorous teaching and research with a close eye on how that thinking plays out in the real world. I've had the chance to meet many of our alumni in person this year, and hearing directly how the course shaped their careers brings home just how far-reaching its influence has been over the past 75 years.鈥�
Industrial Economics at Nottingham counts some of British business’s most prominent leaders among its graduates. They include Sir John Timpson of high street stalwart Timpson Group; former PwC UK chairman Kevin Ellis; Andy Halford, former chief financial officer of Vodafone; and Alison Higgins, who currently leads Standard Chartered’s global prime services business.
Alumni careers have also spanned media, international economic policy and public service. Sir Bob Phillis was deputy director-general of the BBC before becoming chief executive of Guardian Media Group. Dana Hamzah became Bahrain’s first representative at the International Monetary Fund before moving into a senior government role focused on sustainable development.
Deryck Murray, another graduate of the programme, was vice-captain of the West Indies team that won the 1975 Cricket World Cup, spent almost a decade at the United Nations and later served as High Commissioner to Jamaica.
What has made Industrial Economics endure is its ability to reinvent itself. From early studies of Nottingham’s lace and hosiery industries to contemporary research on digital markets, behavioural economics and sustainability, the discipline has remained closely connected to the challenges facing businesses and policymakers.
The programme reflects a belief that the strongest business education does more than teach management techniques. It helps students understand how markets, organisations and institutions interact – and develop the judgement to navigate situations where the answers are rarely clear-cut.
Seventy-five years on, Industrial Economics remains true to its original mission: producing graduates equipped not just to understand the economy, but to shape it.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Kevin Amess of Nottingham University Business School, via kevin.amess@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.