The first of what could become a peloton of power talks has taken to the streets of Carlisle.
The University of Cumbria invited businesses to a business breakfast networking event with a difference. Participants were encouraged to take part in a cycle ride around the city before returning to the university’s Fusehill Street campus for a discussion.
The idea came from Professor Phil Leigh, interim head of the research and knowledge exchange, who has enjoyed a 50-year association with cycling which has seen him involved in professional coaching and racing. At the university the aim is to build relationships between academia and local businesses via a shared interest in cycling.
Five local businesses took part in the first event riding a 20-mile route to Carlisle Airport on mainly quiet roads at a pace that allow conversation to take place.
Back at the university after a shower and breakfast, Professor Leigh led a discussion around the topic of marginal gains and how learning from elite sport can be adapted for business.
“The kind of skills we learn in elite sport can transfer into business and this kind of relaxed, informal approach helps when it comes to passing on ideas and experience gained over many decades,” Professor Leigh said.
Professor Leigh is no stranger to top level cycling. An international pro cyclist, cycling coach and manager, he was race director for July’s Lancaster GP Cycle Races which used the university’s Lancaster campus as race HQ.
As well as his role at the university, Professor Leigh is a founder member of the Electech Innovation Cluster.
The cycling business breakfast group are planning to be back on the roads in September with an ambition to run events from the university’s locations in Ambleside, Lancaster and the Energus campus in Lillyhall, near Workington.
To get involved, email [email protected].
