A record 100 students got a taste of the real world of business management last week, at the Challenge of Management Conference 2011, run by the college at the Holbrook Club in Horsham.

The teams of eight were each led by a top representative of the business community. These experts came from companies including: HSBC, Spectrum Training, The West Sussex County Times, Accenture; TS Travel, Marks and Spencer, Gatwick Diamond, Media Word Waves, GSI Wealth Management and Chappells Kitchen Design. Each group undertook a variety of tasks, which included making a balloon sculpture, chairing and running a management meeting, and setting up a car production line.  

Mark Goodson from Accenture MC’d the event, assisted by Collyer’s Senior Tutor Ian McAlister, who helped put the conference together. Ian was delighted with the day: “The brilliant team of business experts have helped Collyer’s to make the 26th Challenge of Management Conference even bigger and better than ever. The students attacked the complex tasks with great zeal and gusto. They were quite simply a credit to the college.”

Principal Dr Jackie Johnston, was delighted: “The top industry professionals clearly inspired our students to work really well as business teams throughout a fun, action packed day. We’re hugely grateful to them for their efforts. It was incredibly generous of these busy business people to take time out and volunteer to help the next generation. Thanks must also go to Ian McAlister and his brilliant team, who have yet again excelled themselves.”   

Ian McAlister added: “Particular thanks must go to Lorraine Nugent of Media Word Waves and Darren Hawley of GSI Wealth Management, who spoke passionately to the students about the importance of decision making and team work in the real-world of life and business.”