Special Projects
Entrepreneur in Residence, UCLan, Lancashire
Perhaps it’s my quirky style, and ability to tackle important issues with anecdotes and humour, that attracts students to my lectures. They have proven valuable and successful, and above all, it’s my happy place. Sharing experiences and lessons with the next generation of business leaders and event planners.
So, I’m particularly delighted to have been selected to join the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as an Entrepreneur in Residence. Joining a team of business figureheads from across the northwest region, the University will call upon my 35+ years of experience at the forefront of the UK’s event industry, in-depth knowledge of the hospitality sector and acumen as a business founder and entrepreneur, to enhance the students’ experience at the university.
“I have always felt it is important to nurture young talent and contribute to the education of young people; and not just those studying in courses relevant to my industry. But all those students at UCLan with whom I can share my experiences and ideas on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.” – Liz Taylor
UCLan selects its educational contributors in a stringent vetting and recruitment process, with only those who can genuinely add real insight, time and experience to students being selected for the prestigious Entrepreneur in Residence programme. The entrepreneurs engage with students from a variety of courses through a combination of masterclasses, keynotes, and Q&A sessions. In addition, they may provide innovative projects for students to work on and advise on curriculum relevant to their industry.
“We are delighted Liz has joined our growing number of Entrepreneurs in Residence who represent some of the finest entrepreneurs in the northwest. We are really looking forward to working with Liz in helping our students and UCLan thrive from her knowledge and expertise.” – Professor Sue Smith, Acting Associate Dean, Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE), Director of the Centre for SME and Enterprise Development, School of Business, University of Central Lancashire
Click here to find out more about the EIR programme

Entrepreneur in Residence, UCLan, Lancashire
Perhaps it’s my quirky style, and ability to tackle important issues with anecdotes and humour, that attracts students to my lectures. They have proven valuable and successful, and above all, it’s my happy place. Sharing experiences and lessons with the next generation of business leaders and event planners.
So, I’m particularly delighted to have been selected to join the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as an Entrepreneur in Residence. Joining a team of business figureheads from across the northwest region, the University will call upon my 35+ years of experience at the forefront of the UK’s event industry, in-depth knowledge of the hospitality sector and acumen as a business founder and entrepreneur, to enhance the students’ experience at the university.
“I have always felt it is important to nurture young talent and contribute to the education of young people; and not just those studying in courses relevant to my industry. But all those students at UCLan with whom I can share my experiences and ideas on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.” – Liz Taylor
UCLan selects its educational contributors in a stringent vetting and recruitment process, with only those who can genuinely add real insight, time and experience to students being selected for the prestigious Entrepreneur in Residence programme. The entrepreneurs engage with students from a variety of courses through a combination of masterclasses, keynotes, and Q&A sessions. In addition, they may provide innovative projects for students to work on and advise on curriculum relevant to their industry.
“We are delighted Liz has joined our growing number of Entrepreneurs in Residence who represent some of the finest entrepreneurs in the northwest. We are really looking forward to working with Liz in helping our students and UCLan thrive from her knowledge and expertise.” – Professor Sue Smith, Acting Associate Dean, Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE), Director of the Centre for SME and Enterprise Development, School of Business, University of Central Lancashire
Click here to find out more about the EIR programme
Smart Works in Manchester
Initially, Smart Works supports unemployed women early in the job-hunting process, working with them to determine what job suits them best, how to apply, building a CV etc. Then when they have an interview, they come in for an Interview Dressing and Preparation service designed to help clients look their best, and perform with confidence, at this pivotal moment. This includes a 60-minute appointment where a high-quality outfit is chosen, followed by another 60-minutes of highly personalised interview skills coaching. An opportunity for the client to own it!
Not only is this service free of charge but the client can keep the outfit too. And then as 63% of Smart Works clients secure a job in a month, she is welcomed back for a Second Dressing and receives a capsule working wardrobe to last until her first pay cheque. While clients love the in-person service, everything can also be delivered virtually for those women who can't get into the centres in Manchester or Stockport ahead of their interview.
Smart Works operates on a referral basis. People are referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service, and youth organisations. But one thing is clear, regardless of where they are referred from or their circumstances, the women are all treated with dignity and respect.
This work is hugely important, and I wanted to get involved. As well as leveraging my little black book for high-quality clothes donations, I am delighted that with my team at Taylor Lynn Corporation, we are planning a 10th birthday event for Smart Works. The night will bring together fashion, fundraising, and some just of the people who have benefitted from Smart Works' support.
Find out more about Smart Works

Smart Works in Manchester
Initially, Smart Works supports unemployed women early in the job-hunting process, working with them to determine what job suits them best, how to apply, building a CV etc. Then when they have an interview, they come in for an Interview Dressing and Preparation service designed to help clients look their best, and perform with confidence, at this pivotal moment. This includes a 60-minute appointment where a high-quality outfit is chosen, followed by another 60-minutes of highly personalised interview skills coaching. An opportunity for the client to own it!
Not only is this service free of charge but the client can keep the outfit too. And then as 63% of Smart Works clients secure a job in a month, she is welcomed back for a Second Dressing and receives a capsule working wardrobe to last until her first pay cheque. While clients love the in-person service, everything can also be delivered virtually for those women who can't get into the centres in Manchester or Stockport ahead of their interview.
Smart Works operates on a referral basis. People are referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service, and youth organisations. But one thing is clear, regardless of where they are referred from or their circumstances, the women are all treated with dignity and respect.
This work is hugely important, and I wanted to get involved. As well as leveraging my little black book for high-quality clothes donations, I am delighted that with my team at Taylor Lynn Corporation, we are planning a 10th birthday event for Smart Works. The night will bring together fashion, fundraising, and some just of the people who have benefitted from Smart Works' support.
Find out more about Smart Works