Business School recruits three industry leaders to embed employer led innovation into courses

The University of Lancashire has appointed three leaders to power institution’s ambition to support students and regional businesses to succeed and grow.

Creating real career opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs is a priority for the University of Lancashire’s Business School and the reason it has brought three new industry leaders into its team.

Joining as a professor in practice is Robert Binns, a dynamic serial entrepreneur who began his career with BAE Systems and is passionate about innovation across the tech, digital, property and beauty sectors.

Prof Miranda Barker OBE DL is the chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry joins the team as an honorary professor.

She has a background in environmental science and is an expert in promoting strong local economies and inward investment via the low carbon sector.

Also joining the Business School is Professor of Digital Transformation Marcello Trovati whose major research interests focus on AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, and automated decision-making frameworks, as well as mathematical modelling.

Dean of the University of Lancashire Business School Prof Steven Rhoden said: “Digital transformation and entrepreneurship are vital to Lancashire’s future economic resilience and growth.

"The Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan highlights the increasing digital demands across all sectors and the need to embed employer-led innovation into local skills provision.

“The appointment of Professors Trovati, Binns and Barker bring to the Business School three talented leaders to power our ambition to support students and regional businesses to succeed and grow.”

As chief executive of Cotton Court Business Centres, Robert Binns drives growth and champions collaboration across the region.

He also co-founded For Your Curls, an award-winning hair care brand offering bespoke solutions for curly hair, now sold across the UK and Europe. 

Alongside his business ventures, he is committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, mentoring start-ups and emerging businesses to help them succeed.

Robert holds various roles including founder, non-executive director, member of Preston’s Towns Fund Board, Lancashire Constabulary Community Ambassador, trustee of the DWF Foundation, Lancashire chair at Downtown in Business, board member of Preston Partnership, and chair of the Lancashire Early-Stage Investment Board.

Alongside her role as chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Miranda Barker also chairs the RedCAT Group.

RedCAT provides a pathway of technical business consultancy, financial and research and development support to accelerate the commercialisation of low carbon technologies – an initiative developed by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to accelerate the manufacture, adoption and export of low carbon tech to drive local economic green recovery and resilience whilst supporting the global response to climate change.

In 2022 Miranda was awarded the OBE for services to business and the community of Lancashire, and in 2024 was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Lancashire.

Miranda acts as a representative on climate matters for the global British Chambers of Commerce – co-chairing their Climate Challenge Group, sitting on the government’s Net Zero Council delivery and public participation groups, and leading the annual British Chambers of Commerce international delegation to COP, featuring yearly a strong delegation from East Lancashire.

Prof Marcello Trovati joins the University of Lancashire Business School team from Edge Hill University where he has been leading the Data Science Research Centre as well as co-directing the Health Research Institute.

He has published more than 150 articles in leading technical journals, books, and conferences and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Applied Artificial Intelligence, Taylor and Francis.

Marcello has led, or co-led, several research and consultancy projects, focusing on the applications of AI, mathematical modelling, and data science in collaboration with industrial, as well as academic, national, and international partners, for a combined value of over £2m.

Prof Steven Rhoden added: “At the University of Lancashire we are preparing our students not just to enter today’s workplace, but to lead in tomorrow’s economy.

"Our students will be given exclusive access to the entrepreneurial mindsets of our new appointments and I’m sure all three new professors will inspire our students to innovate, adapt, and create value in a world defined by constant change."