Business start-up students gain insight from successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders

Students studying on the Business Start-Up module at Lincoln Bishop Business School have benefited from an inspiring series of guest speaker sessions delivered by successful entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the UK.

As part of the module, students develop their own business concepts and ultimately pitch their ideas to an expert panel, mirroring the real-world experiences faced by entrepreneurs seeking investment, support and growth opportunities. The guest speaker programme has been designed to help students bridge the gap between theory and practice by learning directly from those who have successfully built, scaled and sustained their own businesses.

One of the highlights of the programme was a specialist session on pitching delivered by Russell Copley and Michele Davis from Greenborough Management. With extensive experience supporting businesses, organisations and leadership teams, Russell and Michele shared practical guidance on how to develop compelling pitches, engage audiences and communicate business ideas with confidence and clarity. Their insights gave students valuable tools and techniques that they can apply as they prepare to present their own start-up ideas as part of their final assessment.

Students also heard from Lois Kirtlan, owner of the award-winning Hetty & Betty, the iconic Whitby restaurant that has earned a national reputation for combining traditional fish and chips with a unique afternoon tea experience. Lois shared her entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and opportunities involved in establishing and growing a distinctive hospitality business. Her presentation explored the importance of innovation, customer experience, resilience and brand development, providing students with a powerful example of how a strong business concept can be transformed into a thriving enterprise.

Further entrepreneurial insight was provided by Norman Mayhew and Maisie Miller from The Sussex Sign Company, a business renowned for designing, manufacturing and installing signage solutions for clients across a wide range of sectors. The pair offered an honest and engaging account of business ownership, covering topics including growth, leadership, customer relationships, operational challenges and adapting to changing market conditions. Their session helped students better understand the realities of running a business whilst highlighting the rewards that entrepreneurship can bring.

The guest speaker series forms an important part of the learning experience within the Business Start-Up module, ensuring students gain exposure to different industries, business models and entrepreneurial journeys. By engaging with successful business owners and professionals, students can test their own ideas, challenge their assumptions and gain practical insights that support the development of their business plans and pitches.

Becky Goodman, Programme Leader for Business & Enterprise, said: "One of the most valuable aspects of this module is the opportunity for students to learn from professionals who have supported organisations, leaders and business owners to navigate growth, change and success. Russell, Michele, Lois, Norman and Maisie have each brought unique perspectives drawn from their own experiences across business leadership, consultancy and entrepreneurship, helping our students to understand what it takes not only to launch an idea, but to develop, sustain and grow it. 

“As our students prepare to pitch their own business concepts to an expert panel, these real-world insights are invaluable in building both their confidence and their commercial awareness."

At Lincoln Bishop Business School, developing entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world business skills sits at the heart of the student experience. Through strong partnerships with business leaders, employers and entrepreneurs, students are encouraged to think creatively, identify opportunities and develop the confidence to turn ideas into reality.

If learning from experienced entrepreneurs, working on real business challenges and pitching your own start-up ideas sounds like something you'd like to be involved in, explore the opportunities available at Lincoln Bishop Business School.