Entrepreneurs in residence

The entrepreneurs in residence contribute to teaching, learning and employability. This could be through engaging in any of (but not limited to) the following ways:

Masterclasses, keynotes, Q&A sessions
Providing an innovative project for students to work on
Advising on curriculum relevant to industry

Meet the network

Robert Binns

CEO of Cotton Court Business Centres and For Your Curls

Robert is a visionary leader, fusing corporate experience with entrepreneurial passion. He has worked for key global players in technology services across aerospace, defence, manufacturing, finance, education, health and the third sector. He is a highly driven entrepreneur with a proven track record in the technology, cosmetics, and property sectors.

Robert currently holds various roles, ranging from Founder to Non-Exec Director. He is a member of Preston's Towns Fund Board, Lancashire Constabulary Community Ambassador, trustee at DWF foundation, and Lancashire Chair at Downtown in Business.

Along with his diverse range of commitments, Robert is CEO of Cotton Court Business Centres and For Your Curls.

Cotton Court Business Centres, with three locations in Lancashire and a nationwide virtual client base, offers unique professional spaces and customised services for businesses of all types, from startups to multinational corporations. Their comprehensive offerings include conference and training rooms, workspaces, virtual office services, and additional support in administrative tasks, social media, website management, and printing solutions.

For Your Curls (FYC) is a multi award-winning haircare brand motivated by Rob's desire to find suitable products for his daughter's mixed-textured curly hair. Established to fill a gap in the market, FYC specialises in providing high-quality, natural hair care solutions for individuals with mixed race and curly hair types. The brand is now sold across the UK and Europe.

Michelle Bondesio

Business Coach & Consultant, Writer, Podcaster, Creating Cadence/Bondesio C&C

Michelle (Mich) Bondesio is the founder of Creating Cadence, the author of The Cadence Effect, and the host of the Creating Cadence podcast. Prior to starting her solopreneur journey in 2018, Michelle built a 20-year career in communications and project management, working across digital and creative industries.

Her work now focuses on the interrelationship between creativity, productivity, technology and wellbeing. She helps entrepreneurs, freelancers and small teams to develop more mindful approaches to work in the digital world, to avoid burnout, manage their time and stress, and become better prepared for the future of work.

Her business model is shaped around building a personal enterprise (also known as a portfolio career). Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Industrial Psychology and a postgraduate Higher Diploma in Journalism, both from Rhodes University in South Africa.

Joanne Boyd

Managing Director, CJX Business Services

Prior to starting her female owned consulting business, Joanne has had 25+ years’ experience working with Fortune 1000 companies in the global technology and IT sector in both a senior leadership and board member capacity.

Joanne now focuses on enabling SMEs and scaleup companies in Lancashire to regain business and growth momentum. She specializes in strategic business and marketing planning, the development of effective go-to-market strategies, client journey experience and government grants and loans for SMEs and scaleups. Joanne also has extensive non-executive director experience working as a Board of Director for several non-profit organisations.

Rupert Gatty

Founder & CEO, CoolKit Ltd

Following an earlier career in vehicle rental, Rupert established CoolKit in 2005, which has since grown to become the UK's largest, multi-award-winning manufacturer of refrigerated vans. Sixteen years later, as industry leaders, CoolKit employs more than 120 invaluable colleagues and expect to produce more than 2,000 vehicle conversions and sell more than 500 complete refrigerated vans.

Glen Higson

Founder and Managing Director, Business Insight 3 Ltd

Glen is an electronic security and business intelligence entrepreneur. He has over 30 years’ experience as a security industry professional, having worked for and with some of the biggest names in the industry. In 2009 he founded Business Insight 3, experts in human, vehicle and object detection, with the aim of providing cutting edge technology to all sectors and types of business.

Russell Hogarth

Honorary Fellow, Community Engagement Ambassador

Russell is a philanthropist and social entrepreneur, with a special interest in equality, diversity, and inclusion. He ran a successful business for 25 years before entering the world of academia and community engagement and his expertise in entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and active citizenship is now recognised both nationally and internationally.

Russell's 2015 MacMillan Palgrave publication, Creative Education, Teaching and Learning is often quoted as a pathway to inclusion and accessible education. Amongst other roles, Russell is an EU virtual VET ambassador at Cedefop VET toolkit for tackling early leaving, an advisor to the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Association of Social Workers, a mentor for UnLtd and a trustee for Creativity Works Preston. Russell is also an Honorary Fellow and Community Engagement Ambassador at the University of Central Lancashire.

Pam Steed

Managing Director, Monarch Personnel Group Ltd

Pam is the founder of Monarch Personnel Services Ltd, which provides recruitment services with the correct mindset at the forefront of the process. With over thirty years of experience in her industry, Pam has a passion for sourcing candidates who share the same values as an organisation and thrive in the correct cultural fit.

Liz Taylor

CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation

Liz Taylor has been at the forefront of the events industry for over 30 years, as CEO of the award-winning Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC). Liz is the market leader in the creation of events that push back the boundaries of design, technology, and theatrical presentation. Clients range from global leaders to celebrities, sports stars, blue-chip giants, private individuals, charities, international brands, and media companies; plus, a Royal guest or two.

In 2020, Liz developed a business to complement her event work, Liz Taylor Consultancy. This embraces projects as a successful media commentator, motivational speaker, podcast host and consultant for hospitality and luxury brands.

Liz has won the National Reality Television Award for Best Business Show for Channel 4's 'Millionaire Party Planner', is a recipient of the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Award and of a Legend of Industry Award from Variety, the Children's Charity.

Please note: views and opinions of members in the network are their own and not that of the University.

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