Three business leaders to provide expertise to University of Central Lancashire

By Rob Kelly

18 Nov 2024

Lara Harrison, Celia Gaze and Michael Huckerby

The University of Central Lancashire has appointed three new Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) who will bring real-world business experience to its students.

Lara Harrison, founder and managing director of Superstar PAs, Celia Gaze, founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Farm, and Michael Huckerby, director of Huckerby Hotels, have all been handpicked to help the next generation of business leaders.

 The trio, who are being announced during Global Entrepreneurship Week (18 to 24 November), will join seven current EIRs who are bringing real-world expertise and entrepreneurial practice to the School of Business’ students, academics and small and medium sized enterprises (SME) communities.

After a successful 15-year career in corporate banking and financial services, Lara transitioned into entrepreneurship by founding a Virtual PA Agency in 2015.

Starting as a solo venture, she has since grown the business into a team of 16, providing global administrative support to businesses and individuals, helping clients reclaim their time.

She said: “I left home at 16 after a challenging childhood, with no clear guidance or opportunities to help me build a better future.

 “My career path and the journey that led me to founding Superstar PAs were somewhat accidental, but I know I could have reached this point much sooner if I had access to mentors who could have offered advice and support.

 “That’s why I’m eager to be part of the Entrepreneurs in Residence programme — so I can give back to students who need guidance from people with real-world experience. I want to show them that you don’t need to have it all figured out or be fully prepared to start a business. Even after nine years, I’m still learning.”

 With a background in NHS management, Celia transitioned from a high-pressure career to pursue her passion for creating a space that fosters joy, creativity and a unique experience. That led to her founding The Wellbeing Farm, a unique wedding and events venue in Lancashire that combines sustainability and wellbeing principles.

She said: “I've always been passionate about helping young people and bringing a background of common sense to support their journey.

 “Joining the University’s EIRs network will allow me to share insights from my experience with The Wellbeing Farm and my passion for wellbeing, purpose-led business, sustainability and how to create a business which differentiates itself from others.

"Hopefully, this will help students turn their ideas into impactful, sustainable businesses with a grounded approach.”

 Michael is a key player in the local hospitality industry, boasting a robust background in media, creative, and digital marketing.

His entrepreneurial philosophy prioritises people and community at the core of every strategy, which has proven effective in his latest venture, the multi award-winning hotel and venue The Lawrence in Padiham.

 He said: “It’s an honour to be part of the entrepreneur in residence programme.

"I am really looking forward to passing on my years of experience in the hospitality industry to the next generation of business leaders. Working with students that will become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow is an exciting concept.

“I’m also thrilled this position will allow me to work with SMEs which are linked to the University and also engage with the School of Business’ academics.”

The Entrepreneurs in Residence mentor students, provide guest lectures, host student projects, sit on advisory panels, contribute to curriculum reviews, and support academic research. They will also take part in career and employer events.

Professor Sue Smith, director of the University’s Centre for SME and Enterprise Development, added: “We are delighted to expand our growing EIR networks and welcome three new EIRs.

 “These entrepreneurs bring with them a wealth of entrepreneurial leadership and small business experience and join our existing talented EIRs extending the range and sectors across the scheme.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

PM+M welcomes ten new apprentices for 2025 intake Lucy Field, Kate Walsh, Ellie Fisher, Zainab Aswat, Reece Jones, Aisha Bibi Patel, Finley Vila, Uzair Zariwala, Richard Prest, and Charlie Harrison

PM+M welcomes ten new apprentices for 2025 intake

11 Sep 2025

2

ROCCIA strengthens commercial division with senior appointment Andrew Grove

ROCCIA strengthens commercial division with senior appointment

11 Sep 2025

3

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November Gary McEwan managing director of Interfloor

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November

10 Sep 2025

4

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working Lancashire Combined Authority

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working

10 Sep 2025

5

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration Collaboration between BAE Systems FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration

09 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin