Yesterday, business entrepreneur Lord Alan Sugar launched the Claude Littner Business School at the University of West London (UWL) in support of long-term collaborator, Claude Littner.

Named in honour of the University alumnus, the launch celebrated Mr Littner's achievements, and positions the School as a leading provider of business education connected to the world of work.

Local business leaders, members of the London Chamber, politicians, University Governors, faculty members and students were in attendance to mark the occasion. Claude Littner delivered the inaugural speech and welcomed Lord Sugar who engaged in a lively question and answer session with invited guests, inspiring them with his views on business.

Lord Sugar said, ‘Claude's involvement in the Business School, that now bears his name, will provide the impetus for students to benefit from academic study coupled with a strong practical and commercial focus enabling them to get ahead in the job market. Those who work hard and exhibit strong business acumen have the best chance of becoming future business leaders.'

Mr Littner's business relationship with Lord Sugar spans decades, with Mr Littner serving as Chief Executive or Chairman in Lord Sugar's business empire, including Amstrad International, Dancall, Tottenham Hotspur, Amstrad plc, Viglen, Amscreen and Amsprop. 

In his own right, Mr Littner has been highly successful in corporate turnarounds most recently as Chairman of Powerleague plc which he floated in 2005, and ASCO plc one of the UK's largest private companies.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Littner said, ‘At key points in my life, UWL business courses greatly assisted my personal and career development.  I have had a varied and successful career and lifelong association with the University and was honoured when Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter John proposed the Business School in my name.  It's an opportunity to enhance the School's reputation and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to study at UWL.'

Strategically placed in the hub of West London, the Claude Littner Business School is located in close proximity to 50% of the UK's top 300 companies and over 30,000 small and medium size enterprises (SME's).

Professor Khalid Hafeez, Dean of the Claude Littner Business School commented, ‘95% of our students are in employment within six months of graduating.  This makes us a leading provider of national and international business and finance education.  As a former student of the Business School, we are delighted to celebrate Claude's continued involvement with the University and harness experience and expertise.'