Lancaster teams up with Pentland for sustainability research

PENTLAND, the sports brand owner and largest shareholder in Bury-based retailer JD Sports Fashion, has teamed up with Lancaster University to create a research centre of excellence.

The Pentland Centre, which will be based at the university, will research ustainability, ethical trade and how business can be a force for good in a constantly changing environment.

The new body will draw on expertise from all faculties within Lancaster University, including the Management School and Environment Centre.

London-based Pentland Group is one of the largest private businesses in the UK. It is the owner of sports, outdoor and fashion brands including Speedo, Canterbury and Berghaus.

As part of an initial five year partnership with the university, this arrangement will also see the creation of a special post – The Rubin Chair, to focus on sustainability in business.

Stephen Rubin, chairman of Pentland Group plc, said: “We are excited by this opportunity to facilitate academic research through a commercial lens and have high hopes that this centre will emerge as a thought-leader in this fascinating and important field.”

Professor Mark Smith, Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University said: “Lancaster University is home to some of the world’s leading thinkers in environmental sustainability, ethical issues and business.

“This fantastic collaboration with Pentland, and the creation of the Pentland Centre, will enable top academics from a wide range of disciplines across these areas to contribute to helping businesses across global markets to evolve the sustainability and corporate responsibility of their operations.”