Skiddle Directors and Co-Founders, Ben Sebborn and Richard Dyer have accepted an offer from The University of Central Lancashire to become Leaders In Residence.
The honour is awarded to professionals who have made a significant contribution in their field of expertise. Both Directors will take up positions in the Faculty of Culture and Creative Industries, and will make up part of an industry advisory board of inspirational role models.
Beginning as student side-project, Skiddle started life in 2001, initially as a What’s On Guide in the North West. Nearly two decades later, the business is the UK’s biggest and busiest event discovery guide and ticketing outlet; employing 45 staff and selling over three million tickets per year to gigs, club nights and festivals across the UK and Europe.
With both Directors taking a hands-on approach to business, Skiddle is one of the largest and most successful employers in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley. Offering innovative and tech-savvy solutions to make ticketing fairer and more flexible; Skiddle has made its mark championing the customer and ensuring live music remains affordable, accessible and fan-friendly. Skiddle has also made a significant contribution to Macmillan Cancer Support in the North West, raising over £180,000 in 18 months to fund nurses in the Lancashire area.
Commenting on his Leader In Residence appointment, Co-Founder of Skiddle, Ben Sebborn, said: “I am delighted to accept The University of Central Lancashire generous offer and cannot wait to get started in my new role. Skiddle began life when I was a student at the University, so this appointment feels like a homecoming! I strongly believe this partnership is the beginning of a successful and prosperous relationship with our local University and Richard and I look forward to sharing our expertise with the next generation of creative and inspirational individuals here in Lancashire.”
