The business of radio addressed at Leeds Beckett public lecture

Part of the Leeds Business School Guest Lecture Series, Roger Cutsforth, Managing Director of The Radio Academy and advisor to the University’s Faculty of Business and Law, will be drawing on his considerable industry experience to address the opportunities which radio can bring - both as a link-up to the world of business and a viable path to a diverse and rewarding career.  The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the University’s Rose Bowl building at the City Campus on Tuesday 27 October. 

Speaking ahead of the lecture, Roger said: "Radio is at the vanguard of digital innovation; it reaches a global audience of over seven billion people and is an integral tenet of the creative and cultural economies.  Consumption of radio has changed dramatically with time shifted audio, mobile apps and streaming services to name just a few - the scale of growth is phenomenal.  This dynamic, fast-paced, constantly-evolving industry provides fantastic opportunities locally, nationally and internationally and the vast majority of those opportunities are not behind the microphone.  My intention in this lecture is to increase the audience’s understanding of the diversity of careers available in the world of radio.”

In addition to his role with The Radio Academy, an organisation that promotes the UK radio and audio industry, Roger currently works as a Media Consultant and a Director of Leeds-based audio on demand production company, Distorted Productions.  His other previous roles have included Managing Director of Capital Yorkshire (part of the media and entertainment group Global) and Managing Director of Roger Wilko Productions.

The series, sponsored by Yorkshire Bank, will see some of the region’s top business leaders explore wide-ranging subjects, from social enterprise to fraud and corruption.  Launched on 13 October by Tom Riorden, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, a packed house heard Tom speak about ‘Devolution, The Northern Powerhouse and the Region’.  

Paul Houghton, Principal Lecturer in Accounting, Finance and Economics at Leeds Beckett, said: “Anyone who has had the opportunity to listen to Tom before will know him to be an engaging speaker who always provides great insight – he didn’t disappoint once again.  The 200 strong crowd listened intently to what he had to say and asked some very probing questions which Tom answered with conviction and passion.

“All of the speakers in the series are from a range of backgrounds, with great tales to tell and experiences on which to draw.  I am very much looking forward to welcoming Roger, a passionate proponent of creative excellence who has a proven track record of coupling this with exceptional growth, leading change management and business transformation.”

Simon Wright, Regional Director, Business and Private Bank at Yorkshire Bank, added: "This is an excellent and varied speaker series.  It provides information and ideas which can only benefit attendees, and through those attendees, the wider community.” 

The full lists of talks is:

‘The Business of Radio’ – Roger Cutsforth, Managing Director, The Radio Academy.  Tuesday 27 October.

‘Can Culture be Audited?’ – Nicola Rimmer, Director, Barclays Bank.  Tuesday 10 November.

‘Choice and Control – The Key to Driving Performance for a Better Balanced Business’ – Heather Jackson, Founder and Chair of an Inspirational Journey.  Tuesday 24 November.

‘Economic Prospects’ – Will Holman, Regional Director, Bank of England. Tuesday 19 January 2016 (8.30am to 10am).

‘The Rise of Social Enterprise’ – Paul Monaghan, Expert in Corporate Ethics and Ecology.  Tuesday 9 February 2016.

‘Engaging Leaders and Nurturing Entrepreneurs’ – Natalie Sykes, Regional Director, Institute of Directors, Yorkshire and the North East.  Tuesday 23 February 2016

‘Fraud and Corruption in the World of Business’ – Chris Clements, Partner, Deloitte LLP.  Tuesday 8 March 2016

‘Upside Down Management’ – John Timpson CBE, Chairman of Timpson Ltd.  Tuesday 12 April.

‘Leeds: The City of Collaboration’ – Allison Page, Partner, DLA Piper and member of the Two Percent Club.  Tuesday 26 April.

‘Governance – A Necessary Evil or a Driver of Performance?’ – Alex Simpson, General Counsel, Company Secretary and Chief Ethics officer, ASDA.  Tuesday 10 May (8.30am to 10pm).