Graduates gain top marks
Seven individuals have pioneered a new educational pathway by achieving a coveted postgraduate level seven diploma in strategic management and leadership.
The cohort of seven individuals completed the inaugural programme over a two and a half year time period, undertaking study in their own time. The cohort comprised Graeme Bennett from Devonshire Motors, Chris Browne of East Bilney Coachworks, Simon Duckworth of DM Keith, Mark Hadaway of Plenham Ltd, Dom Napier of Elevation Group, Nick Westmancott-Grint of Fix Auto Bristol West and Luke Stafford of BASF.
The initiative, known as Impact 2015, was the first of its kind within the industry and the brainchild of bodyshop magazine and Owen Stafford of global coatings manufacturer, BASF plc. The programme was backed by AkzoNobel, bodyshop magazine, Fix Auto UK, LKQ Coatings and Mirka.
The programme provided focused learning, with a strong emphasis on practical skills development alongside the acquisition of requisite knowledge and a detailed understanding of the business sector.
The Edexcel postgraduate level seven diploma in strategic management and leadership is essentially two thirds of a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and the group now intend to go on to study for a further 18 months to achieve this accolade.
Impact 2015 cohort tutor and driving force behind the achievement of the scholars has been Dr Linda Lee-Davies – PhD, MBA, SFHEA – consultant CEO London Academy Business School. Linda said, ‘The cohort have been an absolute pleasure to work with and I have seen first-hand the level of senior leadership talent hidden within the motor trade. What a fine example to others leading the way forward. I look forward to supporting the group as they continue to move ahead.’
To find out more about the programme see the June issue of bodyshop magazine.
