Canterbury Business Show - Speaker List

Description of the Talk:

This session explores the entrepreneurial journey, from the genesis of an idea to starting a business, and from the struggle to survive to achieving sustainable growth in competitive and uncertain environments. Drawing on research from business and economics, the session examines the theories, data, and decision-making frameworks that shape the trajectory of businesses and their broader impact on society. Participants will see how academic findings can inform practical strategies, guide both macro- and micro-level policies, and support effective decision-making, helping entrepreneurs and policymakers translate knowledge into meaningful outcomes.

About George:

George Saridakis is Professor of Small Firms and Entrepreneurship at the University of Kent, and former Head of the Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business Department, Kent Business School. He holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Surrey and a PhD in Economics from the University of Essex. In addition, he pursues Philosophy as a personal interest, having completed a PGCert and an MA in the field. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He also holds honorary and visiting positions, including Honorary Professor at the University of the West Indies and Visiting Professor at Aston University. Professor Saridakis has published over 100 academic articles and is the author and editor of several books, book chapters, and funded reports, as well as non-technical articles in various newspapers and blogs. His research has received international media coverage. He serves on the Trustee Board of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and acts as a track chair, and he leads the Late Career Consortium at the Academy of Management. He has received numerous research awards at conferences, and his work has been supported by leading research bodies.