Martin Rayner owns retail giant Lakeland, which specialises in creative kitchenware, along with his brothers, Sam and Julian. He will be talking about the "Essence of Lakeland" during the special business masterclass.

Mr Rayner, now retired from his day-to-day role within Lakeland’s buying team after 42 years, will explain how Lakeland grew from selling plastic bags to farmers into the multi-national, multi-channel business it has become today, with 69 stores across the UK as well as stores in the Middle East and India.

The masterclass, which is open to owners and managers of North West family businesses, takes place on Thursday, July 2 at 5.30pm. 

Professor Ellie Hamilton, Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development, said: “Lakeland is a real family business success story and this special event will provide a real insight into how this North West family dealt with issues that face all family firms, such as planning and innovation, to become the international business they are today.”

The event also includes a preview session of the new  Leadership for Family Business programme being launched by the Management School in October.

The preview session starts at 4pm and will be hosted by Jacquie Jackson, Head of Family Business Engagement at LUMS.

To find out more about the new programme, email leadershipforfamilybusiness@lancaster.ac.uk  or call 01524 510703.