LORD Alan Sugar this week officially opened the Claude Littner Business School at the University of West London.

The launch celebrated the business life of Mr Littner, who attended UWL.

He delivered the inaugural speech and welcomed his special guest, who engaged in a lively question and answer session with his audience.

Lord Sugar said: “Claude’s involvement in the business school, that now bears his name, will provide the impetus for students to benefit from academic study, coupled with a strong practical and commercial focus, enabling them to get ahead in the job market.

“Those who work hard and exhibit strong business acumen have the best chance of becoming future business leaders.”

Mr Littner’s business relationship with Lord Sugar spans decades. He served as chief executive or chairman in his business empire, including Amstrad, Dancall and Tottenham Hotspur.

In his own right, Mr Littner has been successful in corporate turnarounds, most recently as chairman of Powerleague plc, which he floated in 2005.

Mr Littner said: “At key points in my life, UWL business courses greatly assisted my personal and career development.

"I was honoured when Vice-Chancellor Peter John proposed the business school in my name.”