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

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders Ant and Dec and Amy and Chris Cheadle

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders

18 Jul 2025

2

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch Dave Scholes and Malcolm Ireland

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch

18 Jul 2025

3

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed Flying Combat Air Demonstrator

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed

17 Jul 2025

4

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company The Printed Cup Company

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

17 Jul 2025

5

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International Joe Diston

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International

17 Jul 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
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

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

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

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

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

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 LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin