M&S archive opened by intelligence chief
A FORMER head of MI5 has officially opened the Marks & Spencer company archive’s new Yorkshire home.
Dame Stella Rimington cut the ribbon on the doors of the new Michael Marks Building at the University of Leeds.
The building will store more than 70,000 from the history of the retailer which began life as a stall on Kirkgate Market.
M&S chairman Robert Swannell said: “We’re proud to have opened the doors of this impressive new building which is the result of a successful and prosperous partnership between M&S and the University of Leeds.
“The hard work and commitment that has gone into making this possible means that the history of M&S as an iconic British retailer is accessible for all to enjoy and will continue to evolve back in the city where it all began on Michael Marks’ Penny Bazaar stall for many more years to come.”
Dame Stella was asked to perform the honours through her role as a member of the governing body for the M&S Archive Community Interest Company
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, Professor Michael Arthur, said: “Our partnership with Marks & Spencer represents a new model for how a world-leading university and an iconic FTSE 100 company can work together.
“The partnership provides a solid platform for the future, and has already delivered successes for both organisations. The new Michael Marks Building is a fantastic resource for staff and students, the company and the community.”
THE University of Leeds has been rated among the best in the country for producing new millionaires.
A survey of 549 millionaires found 3.9% attended the Yorshire institution. The list was headed by the University of London (10.9%), followed by Oxford (7.8%) and Cambridge (5.5%).
Among those who took part, 65% went to university, with a third achieving a Masters. The survey of UK based millionaires also highlights that 71% attended state school.
The list in full is:
University of London 10.9 %
University of Oxford 7.8%
University of Cambridge 5.5%
University of Leeds 3.9%
University of Manchester 3.5%
University of St. Andrews 3.5%
University of Birmingham 2.7%
University of Bristol 2.3%
University of Edinburgh 2.3%
Aston University 2%
University of Liverpool 2%
The Open University 1.6%
University of Glasgow 1.6%
Outside UK 7.8%
Other 42.6%
