A business leader whose firm has helped more than 80,000 businesses set up online shops will share his stories of success and failure in a new series of Lancaster University Management School events.

Antony Chesworth, founder and managing director of ecommerce platform EKM.com, is the guest for the first Lancaster University Entrepreneurs in Residence (EiR) Inspiring Business Fireside Talks, on Tuesday, March 12.

Antony is a Lancaster graduate (BSc Computer Science, 2001), and set up EKM from his student bedroom. The Preston-based company has grown to employ 88 team members and generates more than £500m in e-commerce sales annually.

Lancaster EiR network director Brian Gregory said: “Antony is a real-life disruptor, and he is sure to provide a gritty, honest and hard-hitting look at effective entrepreneurship.

“Both Antony and EKM have won a raft of awards over the last two decades. Antony has been named Entrepreneur of the Year, and EKM has been recognised as being among the best businesses to work for, and there are sure to be many tales to tell.

“These new Fireside Talks provide an opportunity for our Entrepreneurs in Residence and students to engage with businesses, and learn from leaders who have experienced the many highs and lows of running your own business. They are now just about glorious success stories, but also mistakes and failures – and lessons learned.”

The inaugural Inspiring Business Fireside Chat takes place at Lancaster University Management School on Tuesday, March 12, with registration from 5pm. A second event featuring Rugby Football League Chair Simon Johnson, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15.

For more information, or to register for the Antony Chesworth event, click here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/54722