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Alliance Manchester Business School

E-bulletin introduction from Bart van Ark

08 Apr 2026

This week, Bart van Ark, Managing Director of The Productivity Institute, introduces the e-bulletin

Bart van Ark

National Productivity Week 2026 is fast approaching, and The Productivity Institute is delighted to invite colleagues across AMBS to engage with what promises to be a timely and impactful programme.

Taking place 27 April – 1 May, the third annual National Productivity Week will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and business leaders to explore how to improve productivity in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and regionally balanced. The week will not only showcase leading research and insights, but also create space for practical discussion on how productivity can be improved within organisations and across sectors.

This year’s programme reflects the breadth of that challenge. We will host a series of events, workshops and discussions across the UK that examine productivity from multiple perspectives – including skills and workforce development, regional growth, innovation, and business practice. 

Some events may be of particular interest to colleagues at AMBS. Our main academic research event, Productivity for Better Outcomes, will be held on Monday 27 April at the Manchester Central  Library. At this event TPI researchers will present their latest research, followed by a panel with national partners discussing how policy and practice can support inclusive, sustainable and impactful productivity growth.

An in-house session on skills, talent and regional productivity on Wednesday 29 April will focus on Greater Manchester, drawing on new research to explore how workforce investment and skills alignment can support stronger economic performance for the Combined Authority. This is especially pertinent given the University’s civic mission and our ongoing engagement with local partners.

For the first time we are also hosting a daily live, interactive podcast in which leading experts will join me to discuss the key drivers of productivity in the UK economy. Guests across the week include AMBS and TPI’s Philip McCann and the University’s President, Duncan Ivison.

Please do check out all events on the ‘What’s on’ page on the National Productivity Week website to see which will be of most interest to you.

National Productivity Week is an opportunity for AMBS to connect its world-leading research with real-world challenges, and to contribute to a wider national conversation. I welcome everyone to take part where you can – whether by attending an event, sharing insights with your networks, or bringing these themes into your work.

Bart