Collyer’s students learn to mind their own business!

Some 80 students got a taste of the real world of business management last week, at the Challenge of Management Conference 2010, run by the college at the Holbrook Club in Horsham.

The teams of eight were each led by a representative of the business community. These experts came from companies including: HSBC, Spectrum Training, The West Sussex County Times, Accenture; Travel Counsellors, On Holiday Group, GSI Wealth Management, Chappels Kitchen Design and Voyages of Discovery. 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.  

June Goble 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 put on another excellent event for the students. This is our 25th year and I’m looking forward to our first ex-Challenge of Management student coming back to share their business wisdom with us!”

Principal Dr Jackie Johnston, was delighted: “The students worked really well together and clearly respected the input from the industry professionals, who we’re so grateful to for kindly volunteering to help. Thanks must also go to Ian McAlister and his team, who have yet again put on a hugely successful event”.   

Ian McAlister added: “Particular thanks must go to Gary Shipton, editor in chief of the County Times Group, who gave a hugely inspirational talk to the students.”