Ian O’Donnell MBE

I’m an award winning business consultant, non-executive director, lecturer and public speaker who’s excited by and loves sharing ways that creativity and new technology can help businesses succeed. With a technology and marketing background and over 30 years of experience starting and growing businesses, I bring a practical “been there, done that” approach aligned with academic integrity.

A Teaching Fellow at Coventry University since 2016, I lecture on entrepreneurship, innovation and marketing. I also deliver programs to business owners and leaders on behalf of the University, including “Made Smarter: Leading Change in Digital Transformation” (for the manufacturing sector) and “Help to Grow” aimed at high-growth SMEs.

I’m the founder and director of a digital marketing agency and a non-executive director of several SMEs. I serve as Deputy Chair of UK Policy and lead on Net Zero at FSB (Federation of Small Businesses), regularly meeting with leading decision makers to develop policy solutions to create a better environment for SMEs to thrive as well as a regular on regional and national media as a spokesperson for small businesses.

Outside of work I’m a keen runner, cyclist and adventurer and an advocate of active travel, you can find out more on that side of my life and the adventures I enjoy with my two children on our “A Little Adventure” blog and YouTube channel.

I received an MBE in 2017 in recognition of services to the economy and community.