Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies holds panel event with leading entrepreneurs

The Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies (CEES) at the Business School held its panel event on 'Entrepreneurial Approaches to Social and Environmental Impact' on 12 March 2024.

The event was chaired by Dr Jane Khayesi, Director of the MSc Enterprise and Entrepreneurship programme at the Business School, and attended by students, faculty, CEES ambassadors and a number of other guests. 

The panel comprised four leading entrepreneurs including Matt Battle, the Head of Brand at Lapland UK, Caroline Wherritt, Founder & MD of Workspace Furniture & Design Ltd, Dawn O’Keefe, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Shine, and Sam Taylor, Creative Director of Madeby Studio. 

The panellists discussed various strategies for social and environmental impact used by their business ventures such as developing low carbon websites, reducing carbon emissions, using recyclable and compostable materials, creating opportunities for communities for instance by providing them with work opportunities, treating customers and staff in an ethical manner, and ensuring sustainability of products offered to customers. The event closed with speed networking event.

 

Event Chair, Dr Jane Khayesi, commented:

It was fascinating to see how different businesses use different strategies to address social and environmental issues in order to create impact for society. While acknowledging various challenges such as balancing profits and sustainability focus, panellists pointed out that passion and desire to do good for society are what drives them to put in place measures to address social and environmental needs.

Dr Khayesi went on to say:

It is hoped that such insightful discussions will inspire students and upcoming entrepreneurs to reflect on and take action that will bring about positive change in society.

Read more about the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies.