Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions

Themes

Summary

Bringing together internationally-recognised academics with a commitment to applied impactful research that engages with policy and practice. Analysing inequalities, employment and welfare; innovation and leadership; and regional economic development, regeneration and foundational economies.

Our aim

The Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions (CBIR) aims to bring together internationally-recognised academics with a commitment to applied impactful research that engages with policy and practice. Our work focuses on the critical analysis of inequalities, employment and welfare; small businesses, enterprise and digitalisation; and regional economic development and alternative models of renewal. 

Group leaders

Professor Steven Griggs

Professor

Steven is Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. His research investigates democratic governance, collaboration and sustainability.

Steven's profile

Dr Joe Hazzam

Interim Course Director

Joe is an Associate Professor of Digital Marketing, and the co-director of the Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. Joe has 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing in various industries globally.

Joe's profile

Researchers within Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions

Professor Martin Jones

Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive

Professor Martin Jones has served as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of University of Staffordshire since January 1, 2022.

Martin's profile

Carol Southall

Head Of Department - Business

Carol is a member of the ERRIN (European Regions Research and Innovation Network) Tourism Working Group in Brussels. Taught in Switzerland, Finland and Croatia. Research interests include the relationship between cultural awareness and visitor s…

Carol's profile

Dr Itoro Ekpo

Lecturer

Itoro Ekpo is a undergraduate and postgraduate lecturer and is also involved in research in the School of Justice, Security and Sustainability.

Itoro's profile

Dr Joe Hazzam

Interim Course Director

Joe is an Associate Professor of Digital Marketing, and the co-director of the Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. Joe has 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing in various industries globally.

Joe's profile

Professor David Etherington

Professor

David is Professor of Local and Regional Economic Development and is responsible for undertaking and promoting research on employment, welfare and poverty in the University

David's profile

Dr Frederick Nyakudya

Senior Lecturer

Dr Frederick Nyakudya is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He is one of the staff members responsible for leading the Postgraduate Research courses at the JSS.

Frederick's profile

Dilrukshi Dimungu Hewage

Lecturer

Dr. Dilrukshi Hewage is a Lecturer in Accounting and Finance at University of Staffordshire. Her research focuses on finance, corporate governance, gender diversity on boards, bankruptcy, corporate fraud, ESG reporting, and corporate risk-taking.

Dilrukshi's profile

Khaoula Omhand

Lecturer

Khaoula Omhand is a lecturer in Business management and leadership. Who has held previous posts in other higher education institutions and led environmental consultancy projects in Africa and Europe.

Khaoula's profile

Kieron Chadwick

Lecturer

Lecturer in Business, specialising in higher and degree-level apprenticeships.

Kieron's profile

Muhammad Khan

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing

Muhammad is a Lecturer in Digital Marketing with nearly a decade of teaching experience. His expertise spans consumer behaviour, advertisement effectiveness, digital marketing trends, and managing social media campaigns.

Muhammad's profile

Ryan Fox

Engagement Officer

Ryan specialises in participatory research and community-based approaches to knowledge generation. His work focuses on creating spaces for people to shape research agendas, influence decision-making, and challenge power dynamics.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021