Alliance Manchester Business School is pleased to announce the extension of its 50% funding initiative for Executive Education short courses.
This funding was a continuation of AMBS's commitment to widening access and supporting professional development for Greater Manchester based leaders.
What began as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations is now a core feature in our aim to invest in the future of our city-region. This is about building shared growth, giving more leaders the chance to access world-class learning, and contribute to a thriving Greater Manchester.
The initiative has already supported a diverse range of professionals from across Greater Manchester, helping them to upskill, broaden their networks, and drive impact within their organisations.
Preparing leaders for tomorrows challenges
The world of work is changing at speed. From digital disruption and data-driven decision-making to sustainability and societal change, leaders need to adapt quickly and confidently. Our Executive Education courses are designed to meet this challenge, combining research-led insight and industry thought leaders with practical tools for impact.
Among the upcoming courses eligible for the funding are:
- Leading Major Projects (3-6 February 2026) – equipping delegates with the tools to manage complexity and deliver large-scale change projects successfully.
- Data and AI for Leaders (3-6 February 2026) – demystifying emerging technologies such as Generative AI and providing practical ways to apply them for organisational competitive advantage.
- Managing Complex Business Challenges (2-5 June 2026) – exploring new approaches to governance, communication and engagement when navigating decision making and complex business situations.
- Leading Digital Transformation (30 June – 3 July 2026) – supporting leaders to drive innovation, manage cultural change, and unlock productivity through digital adoption.
These courses are part of a growing portfolio that reflects our ambition to deliver flexible, world-class executive education in areas of critical importance to both public and private sector organisations.
A regional priority with global ambition
Our five-year strategy (2025–2030) places Greater Manchester at the heart of AMBS’s growth. We are determined to continue to establish ourselves as the leading business school for executive development in the North, while building on our international reputation.
The 50% funding initiative directly supports this vision by:
- Nurturing local talent: enabling leaders from Greater Manchester SMEs, corporates, and public organisations to access world-class learning at a significantly reduced cost.
- Driving innovation: aligning with Manchester’s role as a hub of enterprise, technology and health innovation, and supporting the Sister Innovation District.
- Contributing to rankings success: strengthening the impact and reach of our open programmes, a key driver in our ambition to be firmly ranked within the top 20 business schools in Europe by the Financial Times.
- Creating long-term value: providing a springboard for lifelong learning, supporting career-aligned pathways, and strengthening strategic partnerships with business.
Our commitment to Greater Manchester
Professor Ken McPhail, Head of School at Alliance Manchester Business School, said:
"We are delighted to be extending this offer beyond 2025. At AMBS, we believe that leadership development should be accessible, impactful, and relevant to the challenges of today and tomorrow. By continuing to offer 50% funding to leaders across Greater Manchester, we are investing in the region’s future, helping individuals and organisations to adapt, innovate, and grow in an evolving world."
Shaping the next chapter
Looking ahead, AMBS Executive Education is focused on broadening its reach through more flexible programme formats, enhanced digital delivery, and tailored coaching support - ensuring that new skills are not only learned but embedded in practice.
This evolution reflects our commitment to making world-class learning accessible and relevant to the demands of modern working life, particularly for leaders across Greater Manchester.
By making this funding extension permanent, we are signaling a long-term investment in the region’s leadership capacity. Our aim is to strengthen the city-region’s innovation ecosystem, support talent development, and create opportunities for growth that extend well beyond Manchester, benefiting organisations, communities, and the wider economy.
Discover our full range of short business courses and find out how you or your organisation can benefit from this unique funding opportunity.