Addressing a business audience at Lancaster University Management School on Wednesday, Mike, who runs consultancy Fusion Futures, shared his expertise on digital change.

Mike is an expert in Horizon Mapping and foresight studies, particularly around business planning, disruption and digital marketing innovation. He self-publishes a futures extinction map and crowdsources insight from a broad range of global colleagues.

Mike said: "When I visit a business I try to drill down the now for them and then future plan. We are entering a world of no more secrets and that changes how organisations and people within those organisations operate. We know technology means very different things to people but it’s ultimately a huge part of the modern work place and future work places.

"I am happy to say there was such a wide range of businesses in attendance who all provided some fascinating and challenging questions following my provocative journey into the future."

Nigel Lockett, Professor in Entrepreneurship at Lancaster University Management School, said: “We are living in fast changing times where old certainties are being upturned by the creation of new technologies. These changes are happening faster than ever before and in this Masterclass Mike Ryan gave his view on how the world of business and work will be transformed in the coming years – providing an eye-opening insight for forward-thinking business leaders.”

The talk was part of a series of inspirational business Masterclasses hosted by Lancaster University Management School and supported by NatWest. The series is open to all business owners and managers from across the North West.

Sue Haslem, Relationship Director at Nat West, said that the bank were "delighted" that Mike was giving the Masterclass.

"His ideas on future planning will hopefully inspire those who attend the event," she said.

The Masterclasses are free for SME business owners and managers to attend. If you would be interested in future events, please contact Jen Melling or tel 01524 510769.