Vicki Ayton is an experienced business mentor, social enterprise founder and qualified educator who helps founders and leaders turn complex business challenges into clear, practical action.

As Founder and Director of BizEd Projects CIC, Vicki understands first-hand the realities of building and leading a purpose-driven organisation, balancing commercial sustainability with meaningful social impact. She has more than 25 years’ experience across education, business support, research and project leadership and has worked with start-ups, established businesses, social enterprises and public-sector organisations.

Vicki has mentored business owners through programmes including Aston University’s social enterprise and leadership programmes. Her specialist areas include business growth, developing sustainable trading income, value proposition, pricing, service development, market research, funding, partnership building and balancing purpose with profit. She is particularly interested in supporting social entrepreneurs, community organisations, women in business and founders navigating periods of growth or change.

Her mentoring style is warm, reflective and appropriately challenging. She creates space for people to think honestly, identify what may be holding them back and translate ideas into achievable next steps. Feedback from mentees consistently highlights the clarity, confidence and direction gained through working with her. Outcomes have included launching new services, securing work with NHS, local authority and business clients, strengthening financial confidence and progressing long-held plans to open new premises.

Vicki holds a BSc (Hons), PGCE, MBA in Education and PRINCE2 and is completing the ILM Level 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. She brings curiosity, practical experience and a strong commitment to helping people develop businesses that are both resilient and purposeful.