Been There, Built That (Oct 15) event wrap-up | unsung heroes

Last week, business owners, industry leaders and entrepreneurs gathered at the University of Lancashire’s Media Factory for the third instalment of Preston Partnership’s ‘Been There, Built That’ series.

The event was an inspiring evening with proud Prestonian Stephen Turner, chairman of Group55 and Preston-based business owner Richard Dyer, co-founder of ticket booking service Skiddle.

Stephen and Rich are two of Preston’s unsung heroes. While many business leaders may not know them, the majority will have used products that Stephen’s team has manufactured or booked tickets via Skiddle.

Growing business legacies

Stephen started Group55, which manufactures household, pet care, personal care and cosmetic products with just £700 in 1999.

Over the past 25 years, he has self-funded the growth of the business and built it into a £20m enterprise that employs a workforce of over 100. From its Lancashire-based site, Group55 manufactures for global brands, helps turn celebrities into entrepreneurs, and champions sustainable British manufacturing. Its products are used by over 10 million people in more than 100 countries.

Celebrating Skiddle’s 25th anniversary in 2026, Richard Dyer is another local powerhouse – operating one of the UK’s leading event ticketing platforms from a barn in Goosnargh.

The two panellists shared stories, anecdotes and lessons learned during their careers to date with host and Preston Partnership board member, Professor Robert Binns.

Bold moves and difficult decisions

While operating in extremely different sectors, both described the twists and turns they have taken over the years – resulting in the businesses evolving out of their original plans. Over the course of the conversation, Stephen and Richard reflected on brilliant hiring choices, bold moves and difficult decisions they have made.

They gave feedback on some of the challenges they have faced, including navigating the complications and changing landscape from the pandemic.

The event gave businesses insights they could relate to, regardless of their industry or phase in their own entrepreneurial journey. Attendees left with a sense of what it has been like for two successful business leaders to have ‘been there and built that’ from the heart of Lancashire.

Beauty in simplicity

Been There, Built That: Part 3 was hosted in partnership with the Centre for SME Enterprise and Development (University of Lancashire), and sponsored by fhunded.

Rory Southworth, investment ecosystem manager, fhunded said: “Been There, Built That is a simple and effective concept and we are thrilled to be sponsoring it.

“The beauty of these events are their simplicity – we have honest conversations with people who really have been there, built something and have experience to share. The frank conversations between successful business owners provides insight, reassurance and advice to entrepreneurs who are at an earlier stage of their journey.

“Early-stage investment can play a very important role, and these events foster a great environment to connect with founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Professor Robert Binns, entrepreneur and Preston Partnership Board Member said: “The beauty of these events is their simplicity – we have honest conversations with people who really have been there, built something and have experience to share.

Upcoming events

For further information on Preston Partnership’s events programme, visit www.prestonpartnership.org/news-and-events/ and follow us on LinkedIn.

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