Business leaders born at Harper Adams

Posted 21 November 2006

Two students at Harper Adams University College are set to be business leaders of the future with the help of a scholarship.

The Shropshire Group, a leading European supplier of fresh produce to supermarkets, has offered the scholarships to the determined students.

Successful students Michael Snelson, from Bridgenorth, and Will Baker, from Worksop, fought off tough competition from other students to bag the scholarship – which offers £2,000 per academic year and a guaranteed 12 months employment after graduation.

Nineteen-year-old Michael Snelson, a First year HND Agriculture student said he was thrilled to be selected for the scholarship: “It was a difficult interview process but it was worth it. This is a fantastic opportunity and a bonus on top of being at the prestigious Harper Adams.”

First year Bsc Agriculture student, Will Baker, added: “I'm pleased to get the scholarship because G's is such a large company to work for with a fantastic reputation.

“The experience I will gain working for them will be second to none and I am sure I will get some amazing opportunities such as going out to Spain and working on the farm out there,” the 18-year-old added.

During the scheme the pair will also embrace placements within agriculture, production, commercial and technical for the company, which has an annual group turnover in excess of £200 million and focuses on the growing, processing and marketing of a wide range of fresh salad and vegetable products.

Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams University College, said: “We strongly feel the way forward for Harper Adams’ partnership with commerce is to secure suitable students for individual company needs, by providing a scholarship.

“By participating in the scholarship scheme we believe The Shropshire Group can significantly benefit by securing an asset for their business and by grooming the student, have them ready to deliver immediate results to the company on graduation.

“The Shropshire Group has the advantage and benefit of selecting the very best student in the chosen field and gain a competitive advantage which can only add to the future of their business.”

The scholarship offers £2,000 per academic year and industrial placements within the Shropshire Group. The placements will include 12 weeks between years one and two and a 15 month sandwich placement. After a successful graduation, the company will also offer 12 months minimum employment.

Divided into G’s Marketing Ltd, G S Shropshire & Sons Ltd & J B Shropshire & Sons Ltd and G’s España SL, the Shropshire Group is based in East Anglia with extensive operations in Spain and Eastern Europe:

Caroline Revitt, spokesperson from the group, said: “Both Will and Michael will have the potential to be a business leader in the future. They both have an enthusiastic and innovative approach to UK Agriculture and Horticulture and demonstrate the passion required to succeed in these areas.

“As well as working within our Farming and Marketing business in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, there will also be the opportunity for them to work within our business in Spain and Czech Republic.”