Helping to build mutually beneficial partnerships by connecting academics and universities with small business owners.

We all know that West Yorkshire has some great universities. What is less well known is that they are not just academic institutions but also offer a range of business support services. Universities want to help small businesses with research, innovation, training, funding and more.

Our aim is to help build mutually beneficial partnerships by connecting academics and universities with small business owners.

Join us for the next meeting of our FSB West Yorkshire Academia-Industry Network. This is part of a series of regular monthly networking and learning events hosted by FSB volunteers. 

Host 


The host for this event is small business owner and FSB member, Audrey Zannese


Guest Speakers 



Industry Speaker - Emma Knight-Strong, Sustainability Adviser and Founder of Green Arch Consulting. Emma's talk will be focused on The rise of ESG in finance and the impact that is having on businesses



Academic Speakers - Fran Parkinson, SME Engagement Manager and Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Management Practice from Leeds Beckett University. They will be speaking on The Knowledge Exchange – Supporting SME Innovation and Growth



Event Programme

  • Introduction (5 mins)
  • Industry Presentation (10 mins)
  • Academic Presentation (10 mins)
  • Q&A Panel Discussion (10 mins)
  • Networking Sessions (2 x 7 mins)
  • Closing Words (5 mins)

There will also be the chance to raise the profile of your business and make valuable links with people from Universities across West Yorkshire and other business owners.

Event contact

Your Zoom joining link will be sent in your confirmation email so do not discard this. The link can also be found in the 'My Events' section on the FSB website. For help and support regarding this event, please telephone our dedicated events helpline 01253 336028 or email [email protected]  

Further information

  • To help ensure things run smoothly, please refer to our Events terms and conditions here.
  • We want all attendees to feel welcome - please read our statement on Diversity and inclusion here.
  • Please view our Privacy Policy here.