ARU professor joins Enterprise for Life Board
Professor Gary Packham takes up non-executive director role
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) professor and senior leader Gary Packham has been appointed Non‑Executive Director for Enterprise at Enterprise for Life (EFL), strengthening his national influence in the fields of entrepreneurship, skills and economic development.
Professor Packham, ARU’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, has been a long‑standing strategic advisor to EFL, supporting the organisation’s mission to widen opportunity and empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
His official appointment to the Board marks a significant step in EFL’s plans to expand its educational and enterprise-focused impact over the next five years.
Professor Packham has played a leading role in transforming the entrepreneurial landscape at ARU. Under his leadership, the university has become one of the UK’s most dynamic environments for student enterprise, rising to seventh nationally for graduate start-ups.
His work focuses on ensuring students from all backgrounds have access to the skills, and support needed to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Professor Packham previously led ARU’s Faculty of Business and Law, overseeing its growth into a research‑active and industry‑connected centre offering pioneering work-based learning and degree apprenticeship programmes for employers including Barclays, Harrods, the Ministry of Defence, UPS and the Co‑op.
He also serves as UK Chair of the National Centre for Entrepreneurship Education (NCEE) and as national education adviser for X‑Forces Enterprise (XFE).
“Enterprise For Life (EFL) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Gary Packham to its Board. As the parent organisation for X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), The Armed Forces Community Awards (TAFCA) and X-Emergency Services (XES), EFL will benefit from Professor Packham’s academic insight across the full group. His appointment will help strengthen consistency and quality across our training manuals, learning pathways and Knowledge Exchange activity, ensuring our provision remains evidence-led, outcomes-focused and aligned with best practice.
“This is an important step forward in accelerating our collective endeavours and extending our impact: supporting more young people and beneficiaries and keeping us at the forefront of collaboration between industry and education. Gary has been part of our journey for years, and his values, leadership and unwavering belief in widening opportunity make him a vital addition to our board as we move into this bold new era.”
Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and CEO of Enterprise for LifeProfessor Packham’s new role will help strengthen collaboration between education, industry and community partners, extending opportunities for young people, veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs across the UK.
“I am delighted to be joining the board of Enterprise For Life, an organisation which is dedicated to, passionate about and has an exemplary track record in supporting the entrepreneurial ambitions of our veteran’s community and younger people.
“At this time, the need to shape and deliver effective support for enterprise and innovation is paramount. I am excited about the commitment and determination of Enterprise for Life to be at the forefront of this to ensure every individual, irrespective of background or situation, can realise their entrepreneurial potential to make a valued contribution to the transformation of lives, business and society.”
Professor Gary Packham