A successful entrepreneur from the North West is set to deliver an online masterclass on Thursday to help the region’s businesses reflect on the past few months and ready themselves for the remainder of a turbulent year.

Mike Ryan, Director of Fusion Futures in Manchester, will deliver the first of Lancaster University Management School’s (LUMS) masterclasses live online, and will take the region’s small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) through the rapid pace of change we’ve seen over recent months, and how to seize golden opportunities that may crop up as society adjusts to life in the new world.

(Pictured: Mike Ryan)

As a digital disruptor and futurist, Mike talks about digital change at events around the globe to non-technical audiences.

The event is part of a masterclass series run by Lancaster University Management School and supported by Natwest. LUMS has been running masterclasses for many years, inviting prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their experiences with small business owners across the North West to inspire growth and help foster strong networks.

Talking about LUMS’ masterclass events, Mike Ryan said: "If you look at the diversity and deep thinking of each masterclass you'll see how invaluable they have become; as must-see events of each year. I've particularly enjoyed meeting a vast range of attendees who aren't afraid of challenging discussions and energising tales of success and sometimes honest lessons learnt from failure. They will change your perception of how the world works."

Professor Angus Laing, Dean of Lancaster University Management School said: “The current circumstances mean that unfortunately we are unable to attend our masterclass events in person, but we are delighted to continue to offer SMEs the opportunity to tap into the expertise, experience and vision of other successful entrepreneurs and business commentators by hosting events online. There has never been a more important time for businesses to support each other and take a moment to stop and consider the future as the world adjusts to the ‘new normal’.

“I am very much looking forward to the event and know that Mike will deliver a session that is extremely valuable – and entertaining!”

The event will take place between 5pm – 6.15pm on 10 September. To register to attend the event, hosted on Zoom, visit: www.lancaster.ac.uk/mike-ryan-masterclass

Susan Haslem, Relationship Director for NatWest Lancashire & Cumbria said: “We are delighted to continue our support to Lancaster University Management School in this exciting new series of masterclasses.”