News Rising to the Challenge 08.08.2026

Collyer’s students got a taste of the real world of business at the Challenge of Management 2026, run by the college at the 5-star South Lodge Hotel.

The event enabled teams of ten students, each led by a top representative from employers and the regional business community, to compete throughout the day in a number of business games, team building and leadership exercises.

Expert business representatives, leading practitioners, and guest speakers supporting the event included: Harry Adams (Achieving for Children), Toby Cotton (Kreston Reeves), Lauren Early (Quality Care Group), Maisie Edwards (who becomes a Radiographer in September, having just graduated from the University of Portsmouth), Kerry George (THALES), Amy Green (Specialist Risk Group and former President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Sussex); Mike Humphries (Collyer’s Young Enterprise), Theo Martin (recent Falmouth University graduate), Clo Mehu (South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel), Lizzy Modi (Discover Beyond), Maisie Poland (Schroders), Darren Pollard (Quality Care Group), Sanya Pramod (THALES), Kim Senior (Assurity Consulting), Sam Seeley (joining THALES in September), Lauchlan Slaughter (GlaxoSmithKline), and Smita Warren (Aviva) .

The popular and successful event is a key part of the college’s progression initiative and gave students a taste of the real world of management and employability skills.

Collyer’s Director of Progression, Rebecca Adams, who co-ordinated the event, said: “These leading professionals are all incredible supporters of Collyer’s and have given so much time, creativity, and energy to help the next generation. Our students found them engaging and truly inspiring!”

Collyer’s Deputy Principal Steve Martell, who hosted the event, said: “Enormous thanks to our hosts and sponsors South Lodge Hotel, the Insurance Institute of Sussex, and Mike Humphries. They have been, and continue to be, incredibly supportive of Collyer’s.”

Throughout the day, attention was drawn to the learning opportunities that the tasks provided and Q&As about the routes available after college including insights into several pathways including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and degrees.

Mr Martell interviewed inspirational special guests including Amy Green, former Collyer’s students Harry Adams, Maisie Edwards, Kerry George, Sanya Pramod, and Sam Seeley. Talented musician Theo Martin also gave a fascinating insight into the creative industries, his undergraduate studies at Falmouth University and managing work experience in London. Smita Warren spoke about the use of AI in the job application process.

In addition to benefiting from this practical and personal advice, student teams enjoyed an interactive ice-breaker, and then competed in a sculpture and presentation competition, a lost at sea scenario, and the ever-popular production challenge. Using real life examples and techniques, teams discussed, planned and presented their ideas, to win prizes throughout the event.

Andrea John, Collyer’s Vice Principal (Pastoral) was impressed: “An inspiring day was had by all! This is a complex operation with many moving parts, so colossal thanks to Rebecca Adams and the Collyer’s team of Georgia Campbellwood, Julie Crysell, Ian McAlister, Parisa Murray, Roger Raymond, and Claire Savage. Their support was absolutely brilliant throughout the months of planning and on the big day itself.”

Collyer’s Ian McAlister, who hosted the sculpture and presentation challenge, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the crackling atmosphere and was in awe of the sheer talent within the room!”