Henley roars with British Lions Business Excellence Award win

Henley Business School Africa has been recognised as both a leading educational institution and a thriving business, winning the Large Corporate Award at the 2024 British Lions Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa (BCBSA). The award celebrates businesses with over 51 employees that excel in service, integrity, and community impact.

BCBSA President Tshepo Ncube praised Henley for its consistent leadership and innovation, noting that the school exemplifies excellence in both business and education. ‘Henley Business School Africa has set a high benchmark, showcasing impressive leadership and dedication to its mission of building the skills of African citizens,’ she commented.

‘It’s a tremendous honour to be acknowledged by the BCBSA with this award,’ said Henley Africa’s dean and director, Jon-Foster Pedley. ‘The BCBSA is more than just a network; it plays a vital role in fuelling connections and collaborations, as well as unlocking trade and investment opportunities that drive our economy forward. This aligns with our purpose at Henley where we are driving a revolution in learning – equipping working South Africans with the skills and confidence to make a difference in the economy.’

Founded over 30 years ago in South Africa, Henley Business School Africa has experienced rapid growth. From a full-time staff of just five in 2011, the school now boasts over 120 staff. Under Foster-Pedley’s leadership, the school has steadily broadened its programme offerings, graduating over 2,000 students in 2023 at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Notably, Henley Africa operates as a financially independent private institution, allowing it to innovate and scale its impact without relying on government funding.

‘A well-run business school must be a well-run business itself,’ comments Foster-Pedley. ‘Our business model is entrepreneurial, and we are disrupting traditional pathways by making workplace learning faster and more relevant. This is paramount if we want the economy to grow and grow in the right way.’

He adds that the other thing that sets Henley apart as a business is that it is fuelled by a strong purpose, to build the people who build the businesses, that build Africa and a fairer world.

‘Business schools have a critical role to play in ensuring South Africa is developing the skills our economy needs. Right now, just 4% of people who start school have degrees within six years of leaving school in South Africa, compared to 50% in the UK and 55% in Finland. Our organisations and institutions are hollowed out due to a lack of skills and management ability. We risk economic stagnation as well as widening inequality and an inability to adapt to the demands of the future if we don’t do something about it and do it fast!’

Henley’s commitment to building the skills necessary for South Africa’s workforce is reflected in its ongoing expansion. In 2024, the school will admit its first doctoral students, and in 2025, it will launch a work-readiness programme for school leavers. Additionally, Henley runs one of Africa’s largest self-funded scholarship programs to increase access to education.

‘Henley Business School Africa, with its quadruple accreditation and top rankings for its MBA and executive education, is more than just an educational institution—it is shaping the future of business in Africa. The school is committed to finding new ways to use the expertise and excellence in our institutions to liberate South African talent, to build the future we all want and deserve,’ concludes Foster-Pedley.