In Brief: Bibby Line backs training ship; Research project for WFEL
LIVERPOOL shipping and distribution group Bibby Line has extended its sponsorship of the The Spirit of Fairbridge, a sailing ship used by a youth charity to help empower young people.
It has pledged £200,000 of funding each year for 2012 and 2013. The group has been supporting the tall ship since 2007.
The youth charity Fairbridge refers young people from across the UK to spend a week on board the ship. Last year it ran 31 courses, providing an opportunity for 175 young people to sail as crew members and work with trained Fairbridge staff.
Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince’s Trust, said: “We’re enormously grateful that Bibby Line Group have chosen to continue their support of Spirit for another two years as it’s a key part of the national Fairbridge programme.
“We are delighted this relationship will continue now Fairbridge is part of The Prince’s Trust as it enables this vital resource to remain available to the young people we help.”
Sir Michael Bibby, managing director of Bibby Line Group, said: “The relationship developed between Bibby Line Group and Fairbridge over the past four years has been a great success. The Spirit links the company’s maritime heritage to its objectives of giving something back to those most in need in the communities in which we operate.
“The Spirit is an integral part of the Fairbridge programme and makes a real difference to the lives of all those who sail with her. I very much look forward to continuing this relationship and contributing, in a small way, to the charity’s success.”
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WFEL – the Stockport-based military bridge manufacturer – has embarking on a research project with the University of Manchester’s Business School (MBS) into new export markets.
The company, which designs and manufactures a range of tactical bridging systems, is hosting Global Business Analysis MBA student Qing Wang on three month business strategy project.
During her time at WFEL, which exports to almost 40 different armed forces worldwide, Qing will develop a research paper on opportunities for the business in new and emerging markets, concentrating on the Far East.
The paper will form 30% of her total course assessment. WFEL is one of a select group of firms in Greater Manchester currently working with the Business School on similar schemes.
Chief executive Ian Wilson said: “There is a great deal that businesses can do to help students like Qing to cut their teeth in the commercial world through applying their coursework to real life challenges and scenarios.
“The model for this project is especially valuable because Qing will be making a significant contribution to our strategic planning during her time with us.”
