Starting this month, the masterclasses, which are supported by NatWest, will see the heads of some of the UK’s top businesses give unique insights into the stories behind the success of their companies.

Masterclass speakers include: Loyd Grossman CBE, Jonathan Warburton (Warburtons), Edwin Booth (Booths), Mark Addlestone (Beaverbooks), John Timpson CBE (Timpson Ltd), Andrew Graham (Graham and Brown), Michael Finnigan (i2i), Sarah Dunning (Westmorland) and Michael Ryan (Fusion Futures).

The series, which is open to all business owners and managers across the North West, kicked off on Wednesday 9 September by Peter Cowgill, Chief Executive of JD Sports. Peter, discussed the growth of JD Sports since opening its first store in Bury in 1981. The sportswear fashion group now has more than 850 stores across Europe and operates an online, multichannel platform.

Professor Ellie Hamilton, Associate Dean for Enterprise, Engagement and Impact at Lancaster University Management School, said: “In collaboration with NatWest we have pulled together a very strong selection of leaders running some of the UK’s most successful companies to provide valuable insights into their businesses.

“This masterclass series promises to be very popular with the region’s business community and I am sure attendees will take away many valuable nuggets of information and also enjoy networking here at the University.”

Sue Haslem, Relationship Director at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to support Lancaster University Management School in delivering its masterclass series which will no doubt inspire entrepreneurs from across the region in achieving their business goals.”

The masterclasses are free to attend but places must be reserved by contacting Eve Tinker on 01524 510703.