Meet the graduates: Matthew Theakstone

Matthew Theakstone, 22, from Beningbrough, York, has been awarded the CLAAS UK Ltd Trophy when he graduated from Harper Adams University with first class honours in Agricultural Engineering.

The trophy is awarded to the best BSc (Hons) Agricultural Engineering with Marketing and Management Student.

Matthew, 22, spent his year in Yorkshire working as an engineer for Sumo. While on placement with Sumo, Matthew gained experience working in the design and manufacture of innovative and agricultural machinery.

Engineering programme manager, Greg Rowsell said: “Matthew’s final year has allowed him to further follow his agricultural engineering interest, and focus the application of his engineering capabilities to enhance the family business through his individual project entitled: Incorporating a water supply into the Theakstone Engineering pig feeder.”

Matthew over the summer has been doing harvest work and will be returning home to work for the family engineering business.

Matthew said: “I want to keep the family business going and slowly expand it, we currently work through word of mouth alone and have plenty of work but are limited for space, so larger premises would be key.”      

My time at Harper has been brilliant, not only have I made some excellent friends from all walks of life but I have also developed my skills to become a good engineer.”