Dr Chris Phelan

Profile

Biography

In 2018, Chris joined Edge Hill University and became Associate Director in 2022. Chris is responsible for driving the Business School’s strategic goals in internationalisation, external engagement, and knowledge exchange. 

Chris previously held academic positions at the University of Lincoln and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Chris obtained his PhD from UCLan in 2014, where he studied the entrepreneurial competencies of rural business owners.

His ongoing research examines how entrepreneurs and small business owners contribute to local economic development. Specifically, the importance of developing competencies and skills in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. The potential for entrepreneurship to contribute to poverty reduction and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is of particular interest to Chris.

Prior to pursuing an academic career, Chris gained expertise in project management and logistics at JCB and Nippon Yusen Group, and served in the Royal Air Force.

Research Interests

Entrepreneurship, Small Business, and Community-Owned Enterprises.

Teaching

Strategic Management, Strategic Foresight, and Entrepreneurship.

• What’s the frequency Kenneth. Service Sector Hospitality Marketing post Coronavirus (COVID-19): Opportunities and Challenges in Innovating the 6Ps.
• Responsible Rural Tourism in Bhutan: Aligning Gross National Happiness and the Cape Town Principles
• Developing a sense of place toolkit: Identifying destination uniqueness