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Our Entrepreneurs In Residence programme

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) offer business start-up advice to our students, alumni or staff to launch or grow their business.

Our current team of experienced entrepreneurs and senior level business executives use their experience to help others plan, develop, network and market their new business. In return, our Entrepreneurs in Residence benefit from access to our research, events and partnerships across the University.

Read on to find out more about the our Entrepreneurs in Residence, the impact they have on our business community and how you could benefit from working with them.

Each entrepreneur offers their unique expertise, a willingness to share their experience, and all have a passion for working with our students and staff.

Jaimes Harrington, Manager of the EiR programme

How Entrepreneurs in Residence help students, staff and alumni

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence help students, staff and alumni to develop business ideas and deal with the challenges of starting a new business. The entrepreneurs share their knowledge on the impact of change in the business industry and the skills needed to succeed today.

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence can mentor University startups, offer guest speaking, help academics in their research and advise groups or individuals on the early stages of business development. They also organise inspirational talks for students, help with curriculum development, and support the University’s focus on entrepreneurship.

To work with any of our Entrepreneurs in Residence the EiR Team need some information from you. Please fill out the engagement request form or contact us at eir@port.ac.uk to find out more.

Areas of advice include:

  • Developing entrepreneurial skills
  • Exploring business ideas
  • Providing business startup advice
  • Developing business plans
  • Advising on funding
  • Helping to identify markets
  • Advising on commercialisation of research
  • Supporting academic research
  • Accessing business networks

Make an engagement request

If you're a member of staff, student, alumni or Innovation Connect member, you're entitled to work with our Entrepreneurs in Residence. Submit our short form and we'll work with you to help you get the best EiR support. 

An individual wearing scrubs, seating on a sofa.

I am very honoured to work with the University of Portsmouth and join the Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme. I cannot wait to support enterprising students, helping to create greater access opportunities and develop the next generation of business leaders.

Dr Alisha Damani, Medical Doctor, High Performance Coach & Educator, Wellness Entrepreneur

Meet our Entrepreneurs in Residence

Our community of Entrepreneurs in Residence have a diverse portfolio and vast business experience. Discover their entrepreneurial journey and where their expertise lies by following the links to their full profiles.

Finance and Human Resources

  • Adrian Norman, CEO: Orean Music Limited
  • Ana Ambika Pindoria, Founder, Director and CEO: Hi-Juice Business Mentors
  • Anne StevensIndependent chair, human resources adviser and coach, board mentor and non-executive director 
  • Faz AhmedRestaurant owner and founder: Akash Restaurant and 'Curry by Air'
  • Graeme QuarDirector - Grazing With Gazelles
  • Jeffrey Lawrence, Director: Ardmore Healthcare Ltd
  • Kay CoombsHR Consultant and Company Director: Peas in a Pod Consulting Ltd

Business Growth

  • Alisha DamaniMedical Doctor, High Performance Coach & Educator, Wellness Entrepreneur at Empowered Global
  • Ana PindoriaFounder, Director and CEO: Hi-Juice Business Mentors
  • Anne StevensIndependent chair, human resources adviser and coach, board mentor and non-executive director 
  • Claire TamplinCreator and Founder at The Mindful Movement Coach

Product Development

  • Ben FisherFounder and CEO: Beu and Appozon
  • Blake PowellManaging Director at AccentPOS
  • Ming WuProduct designer and co-founder: The Makers' Guild

Sales and Marketing

  • Luca TagliaferroLuca Tagliaferro SEO Expert
  • Luke JamesFounder and Director at 4Marketing Solutions Ltd
  • Marianne WithersChief Executive Officer: The Verity Centre (15) LTD
  • Mitch LeeUK Business Development Chef: Heura Foods (Previously Co-Founder of Mitch’s Kitchen)  
  • Nathan CableCo-founder and head of sales and marketing: Party Hard Travel
  • Rachel LoweOwner: Rachel Lowe Limited
  • Rebecca BeardHR Consultant and Company Director: Peas in a Pod Consulting Ltd
  • Sarah GoodallFounder: Tribal Impact 
  • Simon GardinerCofounder and Director: Carrington West

Technology and Creative Industries

Hospitality and Catering

  • Barry MooreFounder at Touring Highlights
  • Faz AhmedRestaurant owner and founder: Akash Restaurant and 'Curry by Air'
  • Mitch LeeUK Business Development Chef: Heura Foods (Previously Co-Founder of Mitch’s Kitchen) 
  • Nathan Cable, Co-founder and head of sales and marketing: Party Hard Travel
  • Neville MerrittDirector at Pure Potential Development Ltd

Benefits of becoming an Entrepreneur in Residence

Entrepreneurs who join the programme can take advantage of many benefits including:

  • Access to our research
  • Invitations to industry, research and networking events
  • The potential of new partnerships
  • The energy and enthusiasm surrounding startups
Photo of Justin Farrance

I am both excited and honoured to work with the University of Portsmouth and join the Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme. We are much stronger when we collaborate and I’m looking forward to supporting students and faculty members to access their full potential and evolve into the next generation of leaders.

Justin Farrance, Global Ambassador for DE&I, Allen & Overy | Founder and CEO, GROW Mentoring

More business services

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Help us close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and get access to specialist training in our female-focused research, training and mentor programme.

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How we can help your business

From offering our expertise and facilities, to finding office space and business support, we can help your organisation succeed.

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Business services

Is your business ready to take a step forward? We have a long track record of helping businesses and startups in different markets to grow and develop.

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