Mr Mentor on campus
COLLEGE: At Selby College is Poundland entrepreneur Andy Higginson with IT pupils and course leader Kevin Long (back left). (BUY THIS PHOTO L8038TS) Picture: Tony Saxton
IT was anything but business as usual at Selby College last Thursday as students gained an insight into some of the country’s most successful firms from former Tesco financial director Andrew Higginson.
He started his career at Guinness as an accountant and soon found his exceptional competence and integrity was in high demand.
After a spell at Laura Ashley, among others, Andrew joined Tesco along with Sir Terry Leahy who became chief executive and together they helped transform the supermarket giant into one of the world’s largest brands.
Today, Andrew resides as chairman of the hugely successful Poundland. Addressing students on the HND in Computing and Systems Development as well as A Level Business Studies courses, Andrew talked about his career thus far and the challenges of embracing the digital age in commerce.
He said: “It’s often one of the biggest challenges for small business people that have not grown up with the Internet to adapt to the digital age, so students with good Internet knowledge are often the most in demand.”
The visit, which was arranged by HND course leader Kevin Long, was designed to give students an insight into what it was like running a successful business.
As Kevin explained: “Successful industry figures like Andrew bring an invaluable insight to our students about what it takes to harness Internet technologies as a part of building thriving businesses.
High achievers, like Andrew also provide great inspiration for our students about what can really be accomplished with sound skills and a strong work ethic.”
Student Jack Osbourne said: “Everything these days is about money so meeting Andrew has been a very positive experience as it’s given me an insight into what is possible and the opportunities college offers.
“However, I think it’s also highlighted the importance of common sense to just get out there, find a job and to work your way up to where you want to be.”
When asked about advice Andrew would offer students, he said good qualifications and skills, but above all build and protect their reputation for hard work and achievement.
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Weather for Goole
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
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