Staffordshire entrepreneur shares real-world marketing insights with Lichfield students
A Staffordshire-based business owner has highlighted the importance of supporting the next generation as the rise of AI begins to reshape job opportunities.
David Khan, Managing Director of Cannock-based digital marketing agency Online Marketing Surgery, spent the morning with students from Lichfield Cathedral School discussing how marketing works in the real world and how the digital landscape, including artificial intelligence and changing online behaviour is transforming how businesses attract customers.
The session was designed to support students studying Developing a Marketing Campaign as part of their BTEC Business course, helping them connect classroom theory with real business experience.
David Khan emphasised the importance of connecting classroom learning with real-world experience.
“Students often learn about marketing through case studies and textbooks. Being able to hear directly from someone working in the field every day helps bring those ideas to life.
“School provides the foundation, but it’s equally important for students to understand how businesses operate in the real world.
“When young people can see how their studies connect to real careers, it helps them think more clearly about the paths they might want to pursue in the future.”
During the session, David also explained how modern buying journeys often begin online, with customers researching products, reading reviews and comparing businesses before making decisions.
Mr Khan revealed the importance of educating students about modern technologies before them entering the world of work.
“Marketing today is very different from what it was even five years ago. The way people search for information online, how they browse websites and how businesses invest in digital marketing has changed dramatically.
“Artificial intelligence, data and search technology are all shaping how businesses reach customers, and the students entering the workforce today will be working in an environment that evolves faster than ever before.”
According to research from the Youth Futures Foundation and the Institute for Public Policy Research, 53% of 18–24 year olds in 2025 reported feeling unprepared to find a job, highlighting the importance of exposing students to real-world business experiences from a young age.
David believes local businesses have an important role to play in supporting education and helping young people prepare for future careers.
“Businesses in Staffordshire need to offer work experience opportunities so young people can gain the experience they need.
Nowadays many businesses are looking for experience as well as qualifications, which can put students in a difficult position if they never get the opportunity to gain that first experience.”
Online Marketing Surgery works with businesses across Staffordshire and the UK to help them increase their visibility online, generate enquiries and grow revenue through digital marketing strategies such as SEO and paid advertising.
David said supporting the next generation of marketers is something he values personally.
“At Online Marketing Surgery we work with businesses every day to help them attract more customers and grow online. Being able to share those real experiences with students considering careers in business or marketing is something I’m always happy to support.”
Business and Economics teacher Roop Simpson also highlighted the value of bringing industry professionals into the classroom.
“It is always valuable for students to hear from people with real experience in the business world.
These opportunities help bring classroom learning to life and give students a better understanding of how businesses operate, while also encouraging them to think about the different career paths available to them.”
Students who attended the session said the talk helped them better understand how marketing concepts apply in real business situations.
One student commented: “The presentation gave me lots of insight into marketing campaigns and offered advice I can use if I pursue a career in business.”
Another added: “It helped create a clear real-life picture of how what we study for our exams can be useful in the real world.”
David said he hopes to continue supporting local schools and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“There are some very bright young people coming through, and opportunities like this help them see how the skills they’re learning today can translate into real careers in the future.”
