Expert entrepreneurial advice for emerging business talent
A programme bringing the best business minds to help shape the entrepreneurial future of University students, staff and alumni has been strengthened with the addition of new expertise.
The School of Business runs an Entrepreneurs in Residence scheme providing structured support for students, staff and alumni to discuss their entrepreneurial plans - whether this is simply exploring skills needed to become an entrepreneur, initial exploratory ideas, start-up business planning or reviewing existing business development.
The scheme, which was introduced to the School of Business by Associate Dean for Enterprise and External Relations Dr Matthew Higgins, already has five Entrepreneurs in Residence. Now a new talent has joined the rank of experts to provide top tips to aspiring business students.
George Neris is a social entrepreneur and intellectual property solicitor. His vision is to foster creativity and inspire an entrepreneurial spirit in everyday people. He does this through his company artFix which offers a creative working space for people to learn new creative skills, work and develop partnerships, and present their creative output.
Dr Higgins said: “We are delighted to welcome George Neris to the School of Business community. His work setting up and running artFix has given him invaluable experience which he can impart to staff, students and alumni with entrepreneurial plans. Not only has he created a business from scratch but also at artFix he works to help provide the support needed for people to develop their business plans. We believe he offers a wealth of experience and complements our existing Entrepreneurs in Residence.”
Mr Neris said: “I believe it’s important for an entrepreneur to regularly step back to review themselves and their business, and to make time to learn from others. So I see this role as a learning opportunity for me – there’s a lot I can learn from being asked seemingly simple or ‘silly questions’, and from pushing myself to rethink the language I use when giving advice. I am also enthusiastic about contributing to the development of others and their entrepreneurial ideas. ULSB has a reputation for its critical approach to Marketing which fits my own understanding, so I’m excited to be partnering with the School in this way. I am convinced that we need to rethink our marketing, business ethics and practices for moral reasons, but also for our business sustainability.
“I aim to enable and empower. Although practically it will involve answering questions and sharing my experiences, ultimately I want our discussions to give those seeking to start their own business, the confidence to take the plunge and make their ideas happen.”