Leeds Beckett academics to innovate over breakfast

The free breakfast event is part of a series of events hosted by The Yorkshire Post exploring innovation – a key driver for growth and sustainability – and the challenges faced by businesses looking to innovate.

The event (which is run in collaboration with the University’s Centre for Knowledge Exchange (CKE)) will take place from 8.30am to 11.30am on Thursday 11 February at The Yorkshire Post building, Leeds. Spaces are limited. To book your place go to http://bit.ly/1RRdVWa.

Speaking at the event will be: Professor Mohammad Dastbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology and Pro Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett; Steven Webb, General Counsel and Group Company Secretary at Premier Farnell; and John Burrows, Business Development Manager at Leeds Beckett.   

Professor Dastbaz, whose background is in the design and development of digital media systems, said: “We are living in an era of amazing technological changes and innovations. With more than four billion PCs, tablets and smartphones, and 3.36 billion internet users across the world, technology is now a strategic requirement for large enterprises as well as SMEs and small companies.

“Evaluating how technology has changed our lives and anticipating future challenges are just some of the roles universities play in preparing a technology-ready workforce.”

In addition to hearing from expert speakers, the Innovation Network offers a great opportunity to meet peers and gain new business contacts.  Katie Rigarlsford, Enterprise and Innovation Academy Manager at Leeds Beckett Enterprise Services, added:  “Innovation is an important driver for growth within our region. The Innovation Network aims to bring theory to life and share stories to inspire future business growth within our region.”

As Professor of Informatics at Leeds Beckett University, Mohammad Dastbaz’s research has focused on the use of emerging technologies.  He will be speaking about how universities can support businesses in the development of new technologies, and the role they play in ensuring that the employees of the future are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.

Steven Webb, who sits on the Board of Governors at Leeds Beckett, is responsible for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and group insurance at Premier Farnell, in addition to secretarial and legal areas.  He will be addressing the company’s novel approach to innovation, including wearable technologies and the importance of developing collaborative partnerships.

With over 20 years’ business development experience within advanced engineering environments, John Burrows will be discussing Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) – a business support programme part-funded by Innovate UK to improve business competitiveness through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills.  He will be advising businesses how to access funds through Innovate UK to support research and development.

The Centre for Knowledge Exchange (CKE) is an enterprise hub based at Leeds Beckett University which connects university research, knowledge and expertise with the regional built environment sector.  For details go to http://ckegroup.org/.

The Enterprise and Innovation Hub at Leeds Beckett provides affordable office solutions to start-up and growing businesses in Leeds.  For more information call: 0113 281 6770 or email: eiahub@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

(Image by Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd: Features Helen Oldham, Managing Director Johnston Press Yorkshire) .