Elizabeth Porter
Leaders in discussion with host Richard Slater COURAGE TO INNOVATE
A second panel explored the mindset of Lancashire’s modern entrepreneurs – fast-growing, tech-driven businesses built on creativity and change.
Ram Gupta, founder of Nybble, a leading provider of managed IT, audio visual and cyber services to international clients, offered a personal take on courage in business.
He said: “We were a very poor family. We were rich in laughter and closeness but couldn’t afford many things.
“When you have nothing to lose, it’s a privileged position to be in and I enjoyed having the knowledge of having nothing and everything at the same time.
“I’ve learned as you grow up you are the foundation of a building and life experiences are the concrete you add to it.
“To run a business properly you’ve got to be courageous and daring and you can’t do that without concrete.”
We heard about the
courage needed to make bold decisions. Growth ambitions guide that decision making
Delegates also heard from Rich Dyer, co-founder of Longridge-based Skiddle, the UK’s largest independent ticket outlet.
He summed up the entrepreneurial journey which started with an idea of a college project building an access database for gigs and events.
He said: “Skiddle wasn’t a plan – we were winging it. We’ve never taken on any lending and we’ve had to make some huge decisions because we’ve always put the customer first.
“We have an ace team and a solid management team.
Gill Hall, David Berry and Elizabeth Porter
“We’ve got 80 to 90 people below that and they can run the company without us.”
Bruce Thomas, founder of digital platform Tribes, went from rubbing shoulders with the likes of the Foo Fighters and Rolling Stones in a previous role to delivering for clients such as Compare the Market.
Tribes has a roster of 24,000 engineers based around the world implementing digital solutions.
Bruce shared Colin Mustoe’s feelings about business and poker. There is some luck – Bruce met his business partner on a foreign holiday – but it’s down to making good choices.
“If you’re going to start a business, you need to be capable of making decisions and you need to know when to fold,” he said.
COURAGE TO GIVE BACK
There was also a call for business to play a greater role in community leadership.
Guy Topping, managing director of the Flower Bowl in Garstang and chairman of Preston Vault Youth Zone, led a rallying call
napthens.co.uk LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
for the business community about the new youth centre. He said: “We want local businesses to help out financially. It is a really exciting thing to get involved in.”
COURAGE TO LEAD
Reflecting on the breadth of stories and experience shared at the gathering, which was hosted by Richard Slater of Lancashire Business View, event partners MHA and Napthens praised Lancashire’s entrepreneurial resilience and drive.
Rob Richardson, partner at MHA, said: “From technology to heritage food business owners, we heard about the courage needed to make bold decisions. Growth ambitions guide that decision making.”
Keith Melling, partner and head of corporate at Napthens, said: “The entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive in Lancashire.
“It’s great to see people using creativity and innovation, showing adaptability, persevering, driving forward with passion and purpose, and having the courage to adapt and succeed in a what is very much a changing market.”
2026 CATEGORIES
AI and Tech Innovation Award NEW Built Environment Award Commitment to Skills Award
Creative Business Award NEW Customer Service Award
Deal of the Year Award NEW Design Award Digital Award
Employer of the Year Award
Environmental, Social and Governance Award Export Award
Family Business Award Large Business Award Made in Lancashire Award Medium Business Award Micro Business Award New Business Award Not-for-profit Award
Professional Services Award Scale-Up Award Small Business Award
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award Transformation Award
Transport and Logistics Award
Bruce Thomas
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