in Lancaster Made


From left: Chris Eagle, Arunima Katiyar, Yang Luo, Ben Anderson, Percy Lee, Ajay Bains and Ciara Moriarty have all set up businesses in Lancaster after graduating from LU. All images by Jordan Beswick.


Lancaster University Management School alumni are lighting up the city’s high street, after setting up businesses across Lancaster.


The former LUMS students were each inspired by their time at university, and by the “entrepreneurial ecosystem” in the city, to remain in Lancaster and contribute to the local economy and the city’s vibrancy.


The Performance Studios, Pre-Law, Tora Ramen, Aquila Pizzeria and Doughmance are among the thriving businesses led by LU graduates across Lancaster, set up in recent years.


1. THE PERFORMANCE STUDIOS


Ciara Moriarty (BA Hons Drama, Theatre and Performance 2021, and LUMS Entrepreneur in Residence) founded The Performance Studios, a creative hub that teaches and represents young people, brings leading industry figures in for


10 | STEPS 2026


masterclasses, and curates its own programme of adult classes, with the support of LUMS graduate and partner Ajay Bains.


Ciara, who studied Entrepreneurship modules during her time at Lancaster, explained: “The module content had me hooked and was what inspired me to take the leap and launch my very own performing arts school during my final year of university. Since launching, the University has been incredibly supportive of my journey. I remain closely connected to that network through my role as an Entrepreneur in Residence, where I deliver talks on my journey and offer mentorship to students. I know I can lean on the guidance of the academics who once taught me, as well as fellow entrepreneurs who have been there and done it.”


Ajay Bains (BSc Hons Management and Human Resources, 2020 and MA Human Resources and Consulting, 2021), who also works as a Company Projects Manager in LUMS, said: “I never imagined sticking around following graduation, but Ciara and I met at University and, through the launch of The Performance Studios, our network in Lancaster grew and grew. The business’s growth, alongside our affinity for the city and all that it offers, led us to staying put and putting everything into making the business successful.”


Ajay added that while leaving their respective home cities of Liverpool and Birmingham was challenging at first, the experience soon became rewarding.


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