Educate North Awards shortlist highlights AMBS excellence
AMBS and the University of Manchester have secured a number of nominations for this year's Educate North Awards which are being held in Manchester in May.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) on 'digitalising the audit function' between Menzies LLP and the University, headed up by Brian Nicholson, Professor of Business Information Systems at AMBS, has been shortlisted in the Business Engagement Award (university sector).
Said Professor Nicholson: "This nomination recognises the collective effort of the AMBS and Menzies KTP team. The partnership has been an exciting opportunity to explore how new technologies can reshape professional practice while delivering real benefits to organisations."
Leadership and innovation
Richard Allmendinger, Professor of Applied Artificial Intelligence at AMBS, has also been shortlisted in the Leadership and Innovation Award (university sector).
This award recognises exceptional leaders within a university setting who drive meaningful change through inspiring leadership and forward-thinking initiatives to drive innovation and impact.
Said Professor Allmendinger: "I am honoured to be shortlisted. My work as Associate Dean for Business Engagement, Civic and Cultural Partnerships, alongside my role as co-founder and CEO of the University of Manchester spinout Veribee, is driven by a commitment to translating research into real-world impact. This recognition reflects the strength of Manchester’s ecosystem and the collective efforts of colleagues and partners across the University."
Also shortlisted for the Leadership and Innovation Award is Dr Miri Firth, a Senior Lecturer in Education Management and Leadership in the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED).
Faculty recognition
The Faculty of Humanities has also been nominated in the Sustainable Green Initiative category for a KTP with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, supported by Dr Emma Shuttleworth in SEED, to support and improve peatland restoration and revegetation.
Among other nominations for the University of Manchester, its Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team has been shortlisted in the Innovation Award category, recognising the University’s approach to supporting innovation funding.
All nominations for the awards, which take place at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on 7 May, can be viewed on the Educate North Awards 2026 finalists page.