News & Insights

Yash Kothari, Henley Business School graduate, reflects on his journey and how Henley shaped his career and mindset.Being an alumnus of Henley Business School has genuinely been a turning point in my journey. Before joining Henley, I had already spent five years working with Coca-Cola in India. Walking away from a stable job to go back into academics wasn’t an easy decision at all. I had a lot of

Departmental NewsPresentation at the World Bank Land and Property conferenceOn 1 May, Dr Xiaolun Yu, Lecturer of Real Estate Finance delivered a presentation at the 2026 World Bank Land and Property Research Conference, a global premier venue to discuss research and innovations to land governance, featuring a keynote by Prof. Daron Acemoglu (MIT), 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics. Xiaolun presente

We are proud to recognise this year’s Mentor and Mentee of the Year, celebrating their commitment, support, and remarkable achievements.In 2025 the competition for these awards was very strong and two mentors were selected to share the accolade, alongside our Mentee of the Year. Both mentors were overseas - a testament to the powerful international element of our mentoring programme – which meant

This month we hear from Mark Ridley, one of RREF’s longest‑standing supporters and a leading figure in the global real estate industry. He reflects on his remarkable career journey, the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and the satisfaction he has found in supporting the built environment over more than four decades.After graduating from the University of Reading in 1984, Mark traine

The RREF Recognition Evening was a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the hard work, achievements, and contributions of those who continue to make a positive impact.More than 100 supporters and students gathered in London for this year’s RREF Recognition Evening, celebrating the profound impact of RREF and the community that makes our work possible. Hosted generously by Stephenson Harwood,

IDEAFEST 2026 Business Idea Competition Winners AnnouncedThe Henley Enterprise Lab (HELAB) at Henley Business School, University of Reading, has announced the winners of the IDEAFEST 2026 Business Idea Competition, its flagship annual initiative celebrating entrepreneurial innovation and commercial potential.IDEAFEST is designed to identify and support the most promising business ideas capable of

Dr. Narendra Laljani, Executive Fellow and Programme Director, explores the merits of a mindset shift from authority to ambidexterity in the age of AI.In 1970, futurist Alvin Toffler warned in Future Shock that accelerating rates of change would leave us overwhelmed and disoriented, and unsure how to respond. That future has arrived.What we are living through now is not simply another wave of inno

What began as a single extra-curricular event back in November became perhaps the most formative professional experience of my career to date.  I am a first-year Business and Management student at Henley Business School.  I secured an internship with Exactimo, a business education company, following attendance at their Digital Skills Boot Camp at Henley Business School in November.  This article r

Today we share a story from MBA Alum - Amru Kotb. What started at Henley became a career shaped by trust, human understanding, and the resilience to make change in complex industries.Since graduating from Henley, my career has focused on helping organizations grow and transform, mainly in cybersecurity and data protection. I’ve worked with companies like Oracle and Giesecke & Devrient, and today I

Departmental NewsMeet our Real Estate Finance Modelling Club Founders (REFMC)Jonah Horne and Dylan Rodwell are MSc Real Estate Finance students who, since arriving at the University, have been sharing their investment modelling experience gained from industry with fellow students through the newly formed REFMC. Over 40 undergraduate and postgraduate students from across Henley Business School conv

This month we hear from Julian Carey, who graduated from his MSc at Henley in 2004. He discusses his career journey, challenges and opportunities ahead and the joy of working in the Real Estate Industry.I graduated from the University of Reading MSc course in 2004 before joining JLL on their graduate recruitment programme, qualifying as a surveyor in 2006. After a few years at LaSalle Investment M

Today we share the inspiring story from Alum Edward Ng, who shares his experience in becoming louder in voicing his ideas and the confidence Henley gave him to do this.When I enrolled at Henley Business School - University of Reading Malaysia campus - in 2016, I did not arrive with a clear plan or a defined ambition. I was a boy from Skudai, Johor Bahru, raised in a family where money was never op

We hear from Felix Fiennes, who completed an incredible fundraising challenge for The George Fiennes Memorial Bursary, awarded each year to one or more students studying Real Estate & Planning at Henley Business School.  Read on to find out more about his Arctic Marathon, fundraising experience and why he chose to raise funds for RREF.Running my first marathon was always going to be memorable, but

Martin Beck-Burridge ScholarshipThe Beck-Burridge Scholarship was created in memory of Professor Martin Beck-Burridge and supports academic excellence on our MSc Management course. It enables the 20 highest achieving Henley Business School students on the International Applied Challenge module to attend a study trip, which last year was held at Alba Graduate Business School in Athens.The trip offe

Bernd Vogel, Professor in Leadership and Founding Director of the Henley Centre for Leadership explores the strength in knowing when to step back.Ever said ‘I don’t know’ in your role as a senior leader? This admission and temporarily stepping back for colleagues who can take charge is one of the hardest things to do in business, especially the more senior you become. But far from being a sign of

This month we hear from Becky Sleath, MSc Real Estate graduate.  She shares her career journey, and what has led her to found Human Infrastructure (Hi).At the start of 2025, I founded Human Infrastructure (Hi) to focus on social sustainability within real estate. After first studying People (BSc Psychology) and then Property (MSc Real Estate), I joined the CBRE graduate scheme, becoming a Director

R-LAC 5th Anniversary Symposium and Public LectureThe University of Reading’s Reading Latin America and the Caribbean (R-LAC) Research Network celebrated its 5th anniversary on Monday 9 March with a vibrant afternoon symposium showcasing the breadth and depth of Latin America-focused research across the University, followed by a keynote public lecture from preeminent international barrister Mónica

As we approach the end of the tax year, it is an opportune time to give to the next generation of property professionals who would hugely appreciate your support. If you are a UK taxpayer, why not give Gift Aid along with your donation at no extra cost to you? This increases your donation by 25% for example making a £100 donation £125! All you need to do is complete our short Gift Aid declaration

Rajat Gupta, Henley Business School graduate based in India, shares with us his story and how sport has played an important part of his journey.My time at Henley Business School, where I studied BA (Hons) Business and Management at the University of Reading from 2019 to 2023, remains one of the most formative chapters of my life. Henley gave me far more than academic knowledge as it gave me perspe

This International Women's Day 2026 we asked our incredible global Henley Alumni community to share their stories, experiences and achievements and help inspire the Henley Community and current Henley students. Read on to hear from some of our alumni.Shaleenah Marie-Samsunder, current DBA student and alumnus shared her views on what has been her proudest moment as a female member of the Henley com