Our Entrepreneurs In Residence programme
Use your experience to support and grow new businesses and benefit from our research, industry and networking events
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 39 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 positive impact our Entrepreneurs in Residence have on our business community and how they benefit from involvement with the University.
Each entrepreneur offers their unique expertise, a willingness to share their experience, and all have a passion for working with our students and staff.
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.
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
I am thrilled to be an Entrepreneur in Residence. I envisage inspiring young women like myself to pursue their dreams, regardless of background and gender
Meet our Entrepreneurs in Residence
We currently have 39 Entrepreneurs in Residence at the University of Portsmouth. Discover their career journeys and the areas they can provide business support in by clicking the links to their full profiles.
Adrian Norman
CEO: Orean Music Limited
Alan Barrell
Professor and business angel
Ana Ambika Pindoria
Founder, Director and CEO: Hi-Juice Business Mentors
Andrew Martin
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer: Inkpact
Anne Stevens
Independent human resource adviser, board mentor and non-executive director
Ben Fisher
Founder and CEO: Beu and Appozon
David Thomson
CEO and founder: Suada
Faz Forhad Ahmed
Restaurant owner and founder: Akash Restaurant and 'Curry by Air'
Graeme Quar
Head of Commercial Law: Biscoes Solicitors
Heather Barrie
Founder and director: Harrie's Coffee
Jeffrey Lawrence
Director: Ardmore Healthcare Ltd
Jinx Prowse
CEO: Music Fusion
Josh Robinson
Founder: LMSUK
Kevin Briscoe
Director: Briscoe PR
Leonora Asomanin
Creative Director: Là Mo Designs
Marianne Withers
Chief Executive Officer: The Verity Centre (15) LTD
Mark Smith
Executive chairman and founder: The Car Finance Company
Ming Wu
Product designer and co-founder: The Makers' Guild
Mitch Lee
Chef, teacher and owner: Mitch's Kitchen
Nathan Cable
Co-founder and head of sales and marketing: Party Hard Travel
Ousmane Drame
CEO of URBOND
Phil Carr
CEO: My PT Hub (Fitii Ltd)
Rachel Lowe
Owner: Rachel Lowe Limited
Rebecca Beard and Kay Coombes
HR Consultant and Company Director: Peas in a Pod Consulting Ltd
Sarah Goodall
Founder: Tribal Impact
Shaheed Peera
Founder: The Creative Floor and FCB Health
Shirin Lee
HR professional and owner: Mitch's Kitchen
Simon Gardiner
Cofounder and Director: Carrington West
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
I've embraced the opportunity to connect with the city, make new partnerships and generate real momentum in order to give something back to our community
More business services
Accelerating Women's Enterprise (AWE)
Help us close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and get access to specialist training in our female-focused research, training and mentor programme.
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.
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.
