University News Last updated 13 January
Former Business School academic Professor Harry Matlay sadly passed away on Wednesday 7 January following a serious car collision in Coventry.
Professor Matlay was a prominent and highly respected figure in the field of entrepreneurship and small business research.
He worked at Birmingham City University (BCU) from 1998 to 2013 as Professor of Small Business and Enterprise Development, where he played a key role in shaping teaching and research in the discipline.
In addition to his time at BCU, Professor Matlay held academic positions at Warwick University Business School and the University of the West of Scotland Business School.
His work was widely regarded as foundational, particularly in advancing the legitimacy, depth and academic rigour of entrepreneurship education as a field of study.
Paying tribute, Professor of Entrepreneurial Finance Javed Hussain said he had worked closely with Professor Matlay for more than 15 years.
“To describe Harry simply as a colleague would be inadequate; he was a mentor, an intellectual partner and a steadfast friend,” Professor Hussain said.
“Harry possessed a rare combination of scholarly rigour and deep humanity.
“He approached research with exacting standards, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to quality and values that shaped not only his own work but also the work of those fortunate enough to collaborate with him.
“He will be deeply missed, but his influence and legacy will endure through his scholarship and the many lives that he touched.
“All who knew and admired him extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time.”
Professor Matlay also made a significant contribution to academic publishing. He served for many years as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development and was a Guest Editor for Education and Training.
In these roles, he was known for his meticulous standards, intellectual fairness and strong encouragement of innovative and interdisciplinary research.
Colleagues and former students have described him as a dedicated scholar whose impact will continue to be felt across the global academic community.