Date: October 15
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: The Media Factory, University of Lancashire, Preston
Rich Dyer and Stephen Turner have been there, done that. Their extensive experience owning and managing successful businesses that operate on national and global footprints – with HQs in Preston.
Join Preston Partnership for an informal discussion, hosted by Rob Binns, talking through their success stories and some of the challenges they have faced along the way. Take the opportunity to hear their experiences, ask questions and learn some of the valuable lessons they have picked up.
Network over light refreshments and drinks with other entrepreneurs, aspiring and established business owners.
This event is brought to you by Preston Partnership in collaboration with the University of Lancashire, sponsored by fhunded.
Space is limited so book your ticket now.
About Richard Dyer:
Richard Dyer is a British entrepreneur and co-founder of Skiddle, one of the UK’s leading event ticketing platforms. With over two decades in the live events industry, he has helped shape how fans discover and attend gigs, clubs, and festivals.
Beyond ticketing, Richard is involved in hospitality ventures including Trading Route in Manchester — a lager house and rotisserie kitchen — and Folk+Co, a co-working space in Lancaster. Balancing multiple businesses with family life, he’s known for his hands-on approach, creative ideas, and knack for spotting opportunities that bring people together through music, food, and community.
About Stephen Turner:
Stephen Turner isn’t one for the limelight, he rarely gives interviews and avoids social media, but his story is as extraordinary as it is inspirational. A quiet force behind one of the UK’s most innovative consumer liquid product manufacturing businesses, Stephen’s journey is defined by resilience, integrity, and a commitment to doing what’s right.
Born and raised in Preston, he founded Group55 in 1999 with just £700. Over the past 25 years, through consistent re-investment, he has self-funded the growth of the business and built it in to a £20m enterprise that exports to over 100 countries, employs more than 100 people, manufactures for global brands, helps turn celebrities into entrepreneurs, and champions sustainable British manufacturing.
Stephen’s work in the community is equally impactful. Through Community55, he’s supported grassroots sport, elite athletes, and families facing hardship. As a founding Trustee of The Dame Robina Shah Foundation, he contributes both business insight and personal experience to initiatives that support and educate children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Whether mentoring entrepreneurship to young professional footballers, coaching youth rugby, or working with students at UA92, Stephen leads with quiet conviction and a strong sense of purpose.
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News | November 9 2025
