Lancaster University graduates proud to run businesses in city where they studied

Graduates of Lancaster University have spoken of their pride in the city centre after setting up their own businesses there.

Former students, all alumni of the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), have spoken about starting their companies after staying in the city after graduation.

The Performance Studios, Pre-Law, Tora Ramen, Aquila Pizzeria and Doughmance are among the thriving businesses led by graduates across Lancaster, set up in recent years.

Ciara Moriarty (BA Hons Drama, Theatre and Performance 2021, and LUMS Entrepreneur in Residence) founded The Performance Studios, a stage school and creative hub that teaches and represents young people, brings leading industry figures in for masterclasses, and curates its own programme of adult classes, with the support of LUMS graduate and partner Ajay Bains.

Below, Ciara and Ajay outside The Performance Studios in Dalton Square

“The module content had me hooked and was what inspired me to take the leap and launch my very own performing arts school during my final year of university," said Ciara, who studied Entrepreneurship modules during her time at Lancaster,.

"Since launching, the university has been incredibly supportive of my journey.

"I remain closely connected to that network through my role as an Entrepreneur in Residence, where I deliver talks on my journey and offer mentorship to students.

"I know I can lean on the guidance of the academics who once taught me, as well as fellow entrepreneurs who have been there and done it.”

Ajay Bains (BSc Hons Management and Human Resources 2020, and MA Human Resources and Consulting 2021), who also works as a Company Projects Manager in LUMS, said: “I never imagined sticking around following graduation, but Ciara and I met at university and, through the launch of The Performance Studios, our network in Lancaster grew and grew.

"The business’s growth, alongside our affinity for the city and all that it offers, led us to staying put and putting everything into making the business successful.”

Ajay added that while leaving their respective home cities of Liverpool and Birmingham was challenging at first, the experience soon became rewarding.

“Things definitely got easier, and we started to see other graduates stepping into similar entrepreneurial journeys.

"It’s amazing to see how the university has shaped us all, and it makes me proud to see fellow graduates running award-winning businesses here in the city.”

Ben Anderson (BSc Hons Marketing 2022 and MSc in Research Innovation 2023) is a partner at Pre-Law in the centre of Lancaster, and was driven towards building his own business during his year in MSc Research Innovation.

"Working with Alan Gilchrist at Lancaster University Management School and the Electech Innovation Cluster gave me a clear view of how local businesses grow," said Ben.

Ben Anderson at PreLaw in Sir Simons Arcade, Lancaster

“After graduating, I became a marketing manager at a local law firm, where I met my now business partner, Jake.

"Together we launched Pre-Law in May 2024 to offer transparent, fixed-fee legal services with a strong focus on communication.

"We started out in the university’s Health Innovation Campus before moving into offices in the centre of Lancaster, and have since supported more than 350 clients.”

Yang Luo (BSc Hons Marketing 2023 and MSc Advanced Marketing Management 2024) set up Japanese-inspired restaurant Tora Ramen in 2025, alongside fellow LU graduate Percy Lee (BA Hons Philosophy, Politics and Economics 2021).

The pair met and became friends playing basketball as students, and later realised they both “wanted to give something back to the city that had been such a big part of our lives”.

Percy Lee and Yang Luo outside Tora Ramen in Dalton Square, Lancaster

They set up Tora Ramen in 2025, and Percy said: “We believe the city needs spaces where people can connect, share ideas, and experience different cultures - and food is one of the best ways to do that.

“Things have been going really well. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from both the city and the university.

"Many of our team members are current Lancaster University students, and we want to say a huge thank you to them for the energy and positivity they bring to Tora Ramen and the wider community. Thank you, Lancaster, it’s great to be home.”

Chris Eagle, (BSc Entrepreneurship and Management 2018), opened Aquila Wood Fired Neapolitan Pizza in 2019, after being inspired during his time living in Lancaster as a student.

“I recognised the city had a vibrant scene, fuelled by a community that engages with the local high street and supports small businesses. I realised opening a pizzeria, Aquila, in Lancaster was the perfect fit for me: it was my own creation, there was a gap for it in Lancaster, it had proven popularity elsewhere, and most importantly, I love pizza!

“The Management School and particularly the entrepreneurship modules foster and develop an entrepreneurial attitude and skillset, and tremendous credit is due to the highly capable entrepreneurship lecturers at Lancaster, in particular Professor Magnus George who in my first year fully engaged my interest in studying the course.

"After graduating, I met so many talented and genuine people in Lancaster, many coming to the city through the university which creates a supportive network invaluable to any business owner.”

Chris Eagle at Aquila Wood Fired Neopolitan Pizza on Penny Street in Lancaster

Through working in Lancaster, Chris met his now wife Arunima Katiyar (MSc Marketing 2022), and together they launched mobile pizzeria and cocktail bar Doughmance in 2025.

Arunima, who comes from Delhi, explained how she was used to the “big-city buzz and life in fast-forward”, and said: “Arriving in Lancaster for university pushed me to see things differently.

“Studying MSc Marketing turned marketing theory into real-world brand thinking and sparked my interest in entrepreneurship.

"After graduating, I stayed in Lancaster, met my husband Chris, and was inspired to build Doughmance Pizza and Bar Bus - blending Italian pizza with Indian flavours through food-led experiences.

"Along the way, Lancaster University gave me a new mindset, a new home, and a life that now revolves around entrepreneurship, creativity, and more dough than I ever expected."