Business Briefs: ICE; IoD: Businesswoman of the Year

Aspiring engineers awarded scholarships from ICE

THREE aspiring technician engineers have been awarded scholarships to support their studies from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) West Midlands branch. Louis Adam, from Leamington Spa who works for Morgan Sindall; Josh Patrick, from Northfield who works for Arup; and Luke Keen, from Castle Bromwich who works for Birmingham City Council were successful candidates in the ICE QUEST technician scholarship scheme. Supported by companies in the civil engineering industry and the Institution, the scholarship offers up to £1,500 to outstanding students studying for a qualification leading to professional accreditation as an engineering technician. Both Luke and Louis are studying HNC Civil Engineering at Coventry University while Josh is studying the same course at Stourbridge College. Damian McGettrick, ICE West Midlands chairman, said: “Competition for these scholarships is tough and only those who show real commitment to the profession, leadership and ambition are picked. Attracting the best talent into the industry is crucial in the light of challenges ahead of us to deliver low carbon, fit-for-purpose infrastructure for the future.”

IoD calls business leaders to order

THE Institute of Directors is teaming up with some top brass to give West Midlands business executives a taste of decision making in the armed forces. The IoD has arranged a ‘boot camp’ that will allow the executives to consider how elements of military strategy might be used in their own businesses. The event will focus on leadership and offer guidance in how to perform under situations of extreme stress.  The day will begin with a presentation by Brigadier Tim Radford, who commanded 19 Light Brigade in Helmand Province.  He will give a senior officer’s perspective on the application of the military decision making process. The event, dubbed The Military Decision Making Process: Can it deliver on Civvie Street?, takes place on June 17, at The Lake, Barston Conference Centre and Golf Club, Solihull. John Phillips, regional director of the IOD, said: “We believe business can learn a lot from the Army and this event certainly represents a once in a life time opportunity for professional development.”

Nominations open for Businesswoman of the Year

NOMINATIONS are being sought for this year’s Businesswoman of the Year award, the ceremony for which will take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday, October 14. The award recognises businesswomen who have shown exceptional ability and achievement as well as being role models. Suzie Norton, former chief executive of Screen WM, was last year’s winner and she joined previous award recipients including Karren Brady, Sarah Tremellen, founder and chief executive of Bravissimo, and Perween Warsi, founder of S&A Foods. Judy Groves, the awards chairman, said the 29th year of the event promised to be a fantastic occasion. “These are the leading awards for businesswomen outside London and I am never failed to be impressed by the standard of women who enter these awards,” she said. The event has raised over £500,000 for official charity Vitalise, which provides short breaks, respite care and other services for disabled people, the visually impaired and carers. For details, visit www.womenoftheyear-uk.com

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