James, a distinguished engineer and technical expert charged with showing Microsoft’s vision of the future to the world, has worked with some of the world’s biggest companies, including Google and Cisco.

The masterclass, at BAE System’s Ask Training Centre in Samlesbury, focused on technology and machine intelligence and how businesses need to effectively prepare for the future. The academy is their new £15m state-of-the-art investment in world-class training provision.

He explained what disruption technologies are and showed specific examples of how they will change the way the world does business.

The event also gave attendees an opportunity to find out more about Lancashire Forum ahead of the six-month programme running from April.

Ruth Raban, Lancashire Forum Programme Manager, said: “James has a really impressive background and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our masterclass.

“His technical experience, combined with his common-sense storytelling style, made this topic come alive for the audience – even for those with no technical experience.

“He regularly speaks to technical, marketing and advertising audiences to challenge people to think differently about the future and we hope this talk was an eye opener for people in attendance.”

The Lancashire Forum, delivered by Lancaster University Management School, is a six-month programme aimed at Lancashire SME owner/managers looking to grow their business.  

The peer network programme includes masterclasses, growth workshops, development planning and a company visit.

To find out more about the Lancashire Forum programme, go to our website or contact Pete Cornwall (Business Liaison Officer) on 01524 510728.