Business leader joins University of Leicester network to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs

A business leader who helps companies to grow has become the latest recruit to the University of Leicester’s Entrepreneur in Residence Network.

Trusha Lakhani has joined the select group of business leaders and entrepreneurs who give their time to inspire students, support graduate start-ups and strengthen enterprise education across the University.

Trusha, who is based in Leicestershire, is an award-winning business owner, fractional CFO, non-executive director and business coach who has spent her career helping companies grow, restructure and prepare for sale.

She is the founder of Great Business Matters, a consulting and coaching practice supporting organisations as a fractional CFO, and co-founder and CEO of The Entrepreneurs Lab, which helps individuals and businesses build entrepreneurial skills and mindset, with ethical and financial literacy at its core.

Trusha brings boardroom experience spanning multinationals, global charities and, above all, small and medium enterprises, having led finance and negotiations on major acquisitions, steered international financial transformation, and delivered end-to-end growth projects for businesses across the region and beyond. She is also an elected member of ACCA Global Council, the governing board of one of the world's largest professional accountancy bodies.

Trusha said: “I’m delighted to join the Entrepreneur in Residence Network at the University of Leicester. Starting and growing a business takes more than a good idea; it takes sound finances, good governance and the confidence to make decisions under pressure.

“I'm looking forward to sharing what I've learned with the next generation of entrepreneurs and helping them build businesses that last."

As an Entrepreneur in Residence, Trusha will contribute to talks, workshops, competitions and one-to-one business advice, helping students and emerging entrepreneurs turn their ideas into financially sound, well-governed businesses. The appointment builds on her existing links with the University, where she has previously contributed to enterprise events, including a session on financial planning for entrepreneurs with disabilities and a careers panel for students.

Tom Ledgard, Head of Careers and Employability at the University, said: “Trusha brings a wealth of experience and ideas to the network that will not only benefit students but have an impact on the wider community associated with the University of Leicester. We are embarking on new projects and, with Trusha’s involvement, will be more successful through her steer and challenge.”

The University of Leicester's Entrepreneur in Residence Network encourages and supports a wide range of enterprise and entrepreneurship activities aimed at raising student aspirations and helping them fulfil their potential. Students, alumni and staff can book appointments with an Entrepreneur in Residence to discuss their business ideas and plans.