Four members of the Salford community have been recognised in BusinessCloud’s 2025 Northern Leaders list, including three members of Salford Business School’s Industry Advisory Board. The list celebrates individuals who are shaping the future of the North through leadership, innovation and public impact.
Dr Sally Penni MBE, practising barrister, author and founder of Women in the Law UK, received the Voice for Good Award and was announced as the overall winner on the night. Sally is a long-standing member of Salford Business School’s Industry Advisory Board and an Industry Fellow whose insight and advocacy benefit students, staff, and partners across the School. She also received an honorary degree from the University in July 2024, recognising her outstanding contribution to law, equity, diversity and inclusion, and her dedication to widening access to the legal profession.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nic Beech, was also recognised for his national leadership on educational quality, social mobility and his work chairing the National Union of Students steering committee on tackling antisemitism.
He said: “I’m pleased to be recognised alongside colleagues and partners who drive positive change in the North. At Salford, our focus on social mobility, inclusion and opportunity is shared across our community, and this recognition speaks to that collective commitment.”
Two further members of Salford Business School’s Industry Advisory Board were included in this year’s list:
- Marie Hamilton, Government Strategic Partnership Director at Microsoft, recognised for her leadership on digital transformation, regional growth and social mobility across Greater Manchester.
- Vikas Shah MBE, entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of End Game, acknowledged for his contribution to business, philanthropy and economic development in the North. Vikas received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2022 and donated his archive to the University in teaching, learning and research the same year, reflecting his longstanding commitment to supporting enterprise, innovation and education across the region.
Their inclusion highlights the depth of expertise within the University’s networks and the strong industry relationships that support our students, research and strategic ambitions.
Professor Francine Morris, Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange at Salford Business School, said: “It’s fantastic to see members of our University community recognised for their leadership, expertise and contribution to the region. Our Industry Advisory Board plays an important role in shaping the direction of the School, and it is a privilege to work with colleagues who are so committed to strengthening opportunities for our students and partners.”
This year’s Northern Leaders list features influential figures from business, charity, public services, politics and the creative industries, reflecting the breadth of talent driving progress across the region.