Addressing a business audience at Lancaster University Management School on Wednesday, January 13, Mark Adlestone will be speaking about creating a culture of change within a large organisation, and more specifically, how profit, philanthropy, ethics and community can coexist within the corporate world.

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

Operating since 1919, the multi-retailer has been named for 12 years running in The Sunday Times Best Companies for providing inspirational leadership, creating an enjoyable and satisfying working environment, and giving a great deal back into local communities.

Mr Addlestone, who recently received an OBE for services to both business and charity, and has been named the UK’s Best Leader five times since 2004 for his dedication to running Beaverbrooks on sound moral principles and inspiring his employees, said that core to the business is its purpose of enriching lives, which simply means making a positive difference.

He said: “Particularly in long established businesses, creating a culture of change is a large task but one of the ways we have gone about is by examining how we evaluate success. This may mean looking at how we invest in our people and their development instead of comparing ourselves with our competitors. It’s about how much you’ve given as an enterprise, rather than how much you’ve earned.”

Professor Ellie Hamilton, Associate Dean for Enterprise, Engagement and Impact at Lancaster University Management School, said: “Beaverbrooks is one of the most recognisable names on the high street and it will be fascinating to hear about the company’s culture and its strong emphasis on its people, philanthropy and community engagement, and Mr Adlestone’s thoughts on how they can coexist within the business world.”

Sue Haslem, Relationship Director at NatWest, said: “We are delighted Mark has agreed to share his expertise during this month’s Masterclass. Beaverbrooks is well regarded throughout the business community for its employee engagement and we look forward to hearing Mark share his thoughts on creating change within a large organisation.”

The Masterclasses are free for SME business owners and managers to attend but places are limited and must be reserved by contacting Eve Tinker on 01524 510703.