Cover 30/9/09 10:32 Page 19 Success Issue six Autumn 2009 www.mmu.ac.uk R.R.P £3.50 How to be a winner SIR ALEX FERGUSON PAGE 12 Forward thinking HOW GRADUATES CAN BEAT THE DOWNTURN PAGE 6 Creative spark MMU’S WRITING TALENTS PAGE 16 Cover 30/9/09 10:32 Page 20 CONTENTS 5 8 10 12 16 22 1 Foreword Professor John Brooks, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University 2 News •Nod for MMU expansion •Green credentials • Business of sport •Manchester Festival 6 Graduate employment Just how tough is it for graduates? 10 Learning works •The business of car parts •Hospital bugs 12 Sir Alex Ferguson United legend talks to MMU about how to be successful 14 Honorands MMU’s class of 2009 16 Creative writing The keys to embarking on a successful literary career 20 Book reviews We review the debut novels of three MMU alumni 21 My theory The links between pregnancy and nutrition 22 Alumni Pastures new for former graduates 24 Venue Manchester What’s on in the region What you th do ink of Succe ss ? www.m mu.ac.u k/alum We wa ni/succ nt to k ess now w about hat Y OU thin this m agazin k e. Plea us you se give r view s using our on line questio nnaire 16 p01 Brook.qxp 30/9/09 10:33 Page 1 David Oates photography FOREWORD graduate world has probably never Dedication is what you need been more competitive as our piece in this issue on graduate employment shows. W which direction you are heading in, interviews with eight outstanding trial and error that we find our true people who were presented with vocations. It’s another recurring honorary degrees by MMU this theme of this issue, especially in our summer including Sir Alex Ferguson, interviews with our creative writing Barney Storey MBE and Sarah Storey graduates. elcome to the latest However if you don’t know exactly edition of Success. This issue includes then take heart that often it is only by OBE, and Dr Edward de Bono. One of the key themes in this issue Incidentally that feature also includes an interview with Poet is the determination to achieve your Laureate and MMU professor Carol own personal and professional goals. Ann Duffy, who describes her role at Combine that with a determined our writing school as one she focus on what you want to achieve in wouldn’t be without because of the life, and you are certainly giving interaction and joy she gets from yourself every opportunity to succeed. working with students. Just as with Such messages have added resonance in today’s tough employment market where hard work, focus and dedication are needed in spades. Indeed the our honorands, there is much our Success ISSUE SIX AUTUMN 2009 Success is published for Manchester Metropolitan University by Insider Media EDITOR Jim Pendrill MMU EDITOR Catherine Seddon CONTRIBUTORS Claire Robson, Stuart Wilkin, Rachel Machin, David Casey, Tim Underwood DESIGN & PRODUCTION Damien Wiehl PHOTOGRAPHY David Oates PUBLISHING DIRECTOR David Smalley contract publishing Boulton House 17-21 Chorlton Street Manchester M1 3HY www.insidermedia.com students can learn from her. Professor John Brooks, Vice-Chancellor, Manchester Metropolitan University –1– No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission from Insider Media p02-05 news_2 30/9/09 10:36 Page 2 NEWS ‘Super’ campus plans win support MMU’s ambitious plans for a new Hulme campus win backing from council and residents City Council, said: "The proposal has “Bringing a new university the potential to herald a new chapter campus here will improve the area’s in the regeneration of Hulme. As well links with the city centre and it’s also as the jobs it directly creates there important to the university that it will be significant spin-off benefits brings the local community with it.” for businesses as students and staff John Brooks, Vice-Chancellor at spend money in the area. Crucially, MMU, said: “Birley Fields is one of it will also open up new higher the most intoxicating projects in education opportunities for local Manchester. It has proved to be a people." magnet for innovative thinking on The council’s approval has now community engagement and has triggered a consultation period and a series of public reviews ahead of a formal planning application in January 2010. During the summer staff from Support for MMU’s proposed £120m the 1990s and is now earmarked as MMU and Manchester City Council ‘super’ campus has gathered the future home of 6,000 staff and attended over 30 consultation events momentum since Manchester City students from the Institute of at schools, churches, mosques, Council formally backed the scheme Education and the Faculty of Health, libraries and community groups. in the summer. Psychology and Social Care. Questionnaires were also delivered The Strategic Development On a wider front it is hoped that to thousands of homes and Framework for Birley Fields in Hulme the scheme will transform Birley was approved by the council’s Fields into a vibrant centre of executive in June, in effect passing education, with a new public square per cent thought the proposals been welcomed by our academic the 45,000 sq metre brownfield site and shared community facilities. An would have a positive impact in the departments which quickly realized into MMU ownership. independent study has shown that area. John Cooper, partner at the huge opportunities of investing the scheme could deliver additional property consultancy Drivers Jonas in this challenging and rewarding Road, Royce Road and Princess local spend of about £24m a year which is advising MMU, said: “The location. Road, has been considered for and create more than 800 new respondents see this project as a big commercial use since clearance in jobs in the Hulme and Moss Side improvement in terms of planning. the opportunities for volunteering, It’s the next phase of the regeneration and local residents have voted of Hulme, and in this economic for six public engagement climate it needed a public sector fellowships that will create genuine body to drive the transformation. two-way knowledge exchanges The site, bordered by Stretford businesses in Hulme and Moss Side. Of the first 700 respondents 79 districts. Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester Sir Richard Leese “Students and staff have seized Read Success, watch Success As well as reading about the success of MMU students past and present, you can now watch them. To see videos of this issue’s interview with Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as previous interviews go to: www.mmu.ac.uk –2– p02-05 news_2 30/9/09 10:36 Page 3 NEWS with the wider community.” Brooks spent two years looking improvement and economic regeneration. A subsequent meeting at expanding the university’s with Manchester City Council Didsbury campus before turning his proved that my idea would not only attention to Hulme. He said: “I was garner strong political support, but driving home when a thought could also gather momentum as struck me. I parked my car at the the concept was shared and refined.” roadside of an undeveloped Brooks is now keen to see the brownfield site I now know as Birley plans come to fruition by 2012. He Fields and imagined an education said: “The opportunities for shared and health campus located there, services and collaboration with where disadvantaged communities local communities appear endless. would have access to it. School improvement and access “I realised that on our doorstep Hindley: Green credentials are high on all local agendas and was an opportunity that would help the impact of our faculties of health to transform MMU and place us at and education on local service the heart of inner-city educational quality will be profound.” Green shoots MMU goes up the green league MMU has improved its environmental recycling, energy sources and ethical credentials after climbing 10 places investment. Also only eight per cent in a national league comparing the of waste is recycled at MMU and ‘green’ performance of universities. we are determined to improve that environmental credibility of all figure.” Hindley has set a long term target universities and measures specific of recycling 50 per cent of all indicators such as carbon emissions university waste. He is also looking per head. MMU rose to 57th place at other renewable energy sources out of 135. for the campus. John Hindley, environmental However he added: “It’s not just sustainability manager at MMU, about finding alternative energy said the table was regarded with sources. Saving energy is as increasing importance in today’s important as creating energy, and highly regulated world. ensuring people make informed MMU’s own green efforts were typified by the construction of solar panels on the roof of its student decisions is key to the issue of climate change and sustainability.” Among the campaigns to save union earlier this year (pictured right). energy is the ‘Big Student Switch The power they can produce in one Off’, a project involving 2,500 year (41,000 kWh) could keep 10 students saving energy in halls of houses running for 12 months. residence. Elsewhere all 130 of MMU’s Meanwhile new video conference buildings are now energy certified technology should also help keep the while the university won praise at the carbon footprint low because it Sound Environmental Impact Awards serves as a greener substitute for live in April too. conferences and meetings. Hindley stresses though that there With all measures taken together is still room for improvement. “The Hindley hopes to be knocking on the Green League highlighted some door of the top 50 in the list by next areas of improvement for us such as year. David Oates photography The Green League assesses the –3– To read mor about MMU e g inititiatives reen go to: www.mmu.a c.u /environmen k tal p02-05 news_2 30/9/09 10:36 Page 4 NEWS Sporting connection Sir Howard Bernstein The region’s sporting economy just gets bigger and bigger On the day England secured a Institute for Biomedical Research resounding qualification for the into human movement and health, 2010 World Cup, MMU showed its who touched on the impact that own sporting colours at a major specific training programmes can conference in Manchester. have on athletic performance. Opening the conference, Mike Frisbee photography Insider’s Business of Sport summit in September featured Steven Broomhead, chief presentations from several leading executive of the Northwest sports figures in the North West as Regional Development Agency, well as topical debates about the underlined the wider significance future of the industry on subjects of sport to the regional economy, region which it wants to help further Bernstein said the same went such as commercial innovation, saying it was now roughly the grow. for cities as a whole. sponsorship and the impact of same size as the North West’s new media. aerospace industry and worth that no-one could rest on their proved a great sporting platform around £6bn. laurels in such a fast-changing for Manchester but the one environment. Manchester City thing the city can never become is Council chief executive Sir Howard complacent.” Among the speakers was Professor Martin Flueck, professor in muscle cell physiology at MMU’s A strong theme of the day was MMU itself has identified sport as a key growth sector in the “The Commonwealth Games First steps Scheme helps graduates get a taste for working life An MMU scheme is giving business support consultancy the skills needed to graduates their first taste of Blue Orchid, help is at hand. take the first steps working life. The TalentPlus The scheme, funded until on their chosen so well on www.mento r match.mmu.a c.uk placements that December 2010, offers jobseekers 75 college leavers improve their a free three week course to learn employment credentials and gain better job hunting tactics, graduates are given invaluable work experience. followed by a work placement of the opportunity to do a up to eight weeks in their chosen work placement with a relevant career sector. North West-based business. So far www.mentormatch.mmu.ac.uk which participants have carried out project uses alumni to help students and this year are facing a tough On completion, they have managed to secure permanent positions." Meanwhile MMU has launched an e-mentoring site challenge in the current jobs The course is split into six market, but thanks to a joint intensive sessions focusing on work for a range of organisations recent graduates enter the world venture between MMU and skills such as CV writing, interview fromprivate companies to public of work. techniques, presentation and sector bodies, voluntary groups to self- assertiveness. business start-ups. MMU's Dominic ©istockphoto.com several have done programme has so far helped Those completing their studies career path." For more det ails about MMU mentoring g o to: "They are getting involved in The university regards alumni as an increasingly important source of new mentors and, as Judy Reeve, Martinez said the some really interesting work", Employability & Careers Adviser at course has proved said Blue Orchid's Karen McKean. MMU, explained, there has been hugely popular "Recent projects include a surge of interest in e-mentoring with jobseekers developing websites, tackling IT from students. keen to stand out issues and HR support. Graduates from the crowd. leave the scheme with valuable result of the economic situation, "Graduates experience, better business so we are keen to keep recruiting. already have acumen and the ability to really Even quite recent graduates can the raw talent promote themselves in a very make good mentors such as those they need to competitive jobs market." who are in legal training contracts succeed, but She adds: "They are all reaping “The interest is probably as a or those who can help with what the course helps them with the rewards of what they have recent experience of recruitment is developing self confidence and learnt from the process and processes.” –4– p02-05 news_2 30/9/09 10:36 Page 5 NEWS Students Tom Mills, Sam Cichuta Colin Morrell and John Driscoll David Oates photography Anyone fancy a cuppa? MMU students help artist recreate a corner of north Manchester British artist Jeremy Deller who in helping make this year’s specifically wanted to recreate experience was invaluable. Manchester International Festival scenes from Manchester to “Rather than just designing and “It would be nice if it could find a a mouth-watering sight during a showcase the city, its history and drawing something it was a great permanent home,” added Mills, centrepiece procession. traditions. experience to put those designs “though I can maybe see it ending into a finished product. Using tea up on ebay or something!” Students on the 3D design Student Tom Mills said the the grass-roots level.” MMU students played their part Students helped Deller build the And what now for the café? course got involved in helping café, and also made it easy to and nicotine stains we managed to This year’s month-long arts recreate a life-size replica of Bury assemble and take apart which was make the café look quite worn and festival – which is held every two café Valerie’s which adorned a just as well as the café was later old, even though we made it from years – attracted up to 230,000 float during the procession along moved to The Cornerhouse gallery scratch. The whole project certainly visitors to Manchester and built Manchester’s Deansgate. in Manchester where it formed part helped us understand how the on the success of the inaugural of a wider Deller exhibition. creative industry can work at festival in 2007. The work was commissioned by –5– p06-09 Graduates 30/9/09 11:23 Page 6 GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT {Forwardthinking} Times are tough for today’s graduates but if they look hard and plan ahead they can still find opportunities. E arlier this summer BT was revealed that the number of one of the first big names graduate vacancies in Britain had to axe its graduate fallen by almost a quarter this year, recruitment scheme for the year much steeper than the 6.5 per cent ahead. Since then there has been decline in vacancies in 2002 a growing trend for others to follow following the bursting of the suit. For instance steel company dotcom bubble. Corus and Innocent Drinks, the Information technology has been popular purveyors of smoothies, the hardest hit sector with a have also closed their doors to shocking 44.5 per cent decline in young minds, and more big name vacancies, according to the report. company schemes hang in the balance. In another survey conducted by High Fliers Research, only four The news should come as no sectors — the Armed Forces, surprise given that a survey by the retailing, the public sector and Association of Graduate Recruiters media companies — will recruit –6– p06-09 Graduates 30/9/09 11:23 Page 7 GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT more graduates in 2009 than they spokeswoman Jo Colclough. continuing to work part-time during did last year. “It varies on how many applications her final year. So where does that leave we get but it can be from 10 to Kelloggs is no stranger to MMU graduates looking for placements 150 people per job. I think it‘s a having run previous graduate fairs in this region? Luckily there are still shame that some businesses are through which they have employed plenty of companies focusing on being forced to pull their graduate numerous graduates. The company the longer-term such as Co-op schemes, but I know the recession has also attended the MMU (see overleaf). As Mike Perls, chief has hit some companies hard. Professional Passports Scheme executive of Manchester-based Fortunately we are a big enough which offers students a framework marketing consultancy MC2 says: “Forward-thinking businesses know that bringing on board the best talent early on is well worth the investment.” Perls, in common with other company directors, has noticed “Graduates need to either work at getting their dream job or lower their expectations.” that competition for places has been fiercer than ever this year because so few businesses have company to withstand this.” to realise their potential in areas of Kingsland Wines and Spirits, academic study, work experience been in a position to take on new based in Irlam, Manchester, has staff. “We had more than 300 also made sure it has included applications for just three graduates in its current recruitment successful relationship with the positions. You really had to stand process. “We always have a varied university and its graduates. out to make our shortlist.” response,” says spokeswoman “The graduates we’ve taken on Shontell Tunnicliffe. from MMU have done well,” says It’s not just PR agencies who are still giving graduates a chance. and leisure interests. MC2 has also enjoyed a Kingsland has previously taken Perls. “I have a number of links Food giant Kelloggs, whose on graduates from MMU and in with MMU Business School, which European headquarters is in 2008/09 the company welcomed gives particularly good preparation Manchester, doesn’t have an two students within its finance and for the world of work. Our graduate actual graduate scheme but is marketing departments. The former recruitment team works with keen to employ graduates into its has now returned to university to careers advisers and gives talks to entry level roles. continue with their studies while students, as well as attending the marketing graduate is graduate fairs. This can often act “We are still recruiting,” says as the first part of our assessment scheme and can be a great environment for talent spotting.” Undoubtedly getting a job in this current environment is tougher than previous years, as Perls admits: “We’ve heard stories of people who thought they had a place on a graduate scheme, only to have it withdrawn just a few weeks before they were due to start. “There are jobs out there, but it’s harder work getting them. Graduates need to either work at getting their dream job or lower their expectations. It’s their choice.” In such a climate what should Mike Perls graduates be doing to ensure they –7– TopTips on writing the best application letter... 1 Accuracy is key. In such a competitive market, a single misplaced apostrophe or misspelt name can lead to instant rejection. 2 CVs should be clear and concise, while covering letters are a chance to get your personality across and show your knowledge of and passion for the job. If you don’t know what the business does, you shouldn’t be applying. 3 Creativity is great when done well, but go over the top and you risk losing any credibility. 4 Never write a covering letter like an academic paper. Always remember that there will be a person reading hundreds of applications at the other end – keep it short, snappy, clear and memorable. 30/9/09 11:23 Page 8 David Oates photohraphy p06-09 Graduates get a foot in the door? “Review positions, in particular, show placements early on in your employers that you have the ability career,” advises Tunnicliffe. “And if to sell yourself, communicate well studying with a work placement, and manage other people. ensure that the company has good “If you’re unsure about anything prospects and a sound reputation the company does, always give when developing graduates. somebody a ring. Most people will Students need to make sure that be more than happy to explain. they get the right experience.” Show some initiative and it could Perls also advocates unpaid reap dividends. We favour people experience. “Prove yourself who have the courage to pick up invaluable over a couple of weeks the phone.” and you’ll either put yourself in a Colclough agrees: “Students strong position for a paid job or need to be very proactive. CVs you’ll have some good experience must be in perfect condition. to show to other employers.” Showing some different hobbies Being part of university life is may help you to stand out from the also seen as a positive, he says. crowd, and be sure to mention any “Make sure you get involved with voluntary work you have done or any university societies. Elected are willing to do.” Regional powerhouse Being a graduate recruitment market share across retail, banking officer at a major UK business and insurance markets, a growth comes with its fair share of spurred by its recent acquisition of challenges. both Somerfield retail stores and For Rachel Rotherham at the Manchester-based Co-op group Britannia building society. Rotherham thinks it’s short- that meant sifting through a sighted to cut recruitment in a staggering 1,600 applications this downturn. “A lot of people in the year for the company’s graduate last recession cut off graduate leadership programme. recruitment but there was no talent Although the business is one of in the business to take it forward. the few increasing its graduate It is important to keep employing intake – up to 18 from 12 – that graduates, they are the future. still equates to almost 90 “From our perspective we are applicants per job. The group was looking for future leaders of the so inundated with applications that business and want people who are it shut its closing date five months really committed. We are growing early in February. on all fronts.” “There are jobs out there for She adds that for graduates graduates but just a lot less of today the jobs market is not a lost them. Students numbers have cause. “It is about being prepared increased so much in recent years there are now a lot more graduates coming onto the market,” she says. The Co-op, which employs Graduates Hayley Forknall, Melissa Wilkinson, Rosalind Marsh and Jamie Ward Nothing ventured I f you’re a student past or present in Manchester, then there’s a good chance that the the-wall jewellery. The Palace has itself been the breeding ground for its fair share city’s famous Affleck’s Palace of famous North West and knowing what you want. arcade will hold a special place in entrepreneurs who had stalls Someone applying to us needs to your hearts. inside, most notably Manchester The warren of small market do more than just read our website. “We give them bonus points if developer Tom Bloxham who stalls spread over several floors of started his business career selling the building in the city’s northern posters there. they have actively been to one of quarter has long been the headquarters, is in a position to our stores and really seen what we definitive place for students to buy Bruntwood approached MMU expand because of its increasing are about for themselves.” posters, stock up their wardrobe asking whether it would like to with hip T-shirts or get hold of off- take some space inside for free to 2,000 at its Manchester –8– Earlier this year Affleck’s owner p06-09 Graduates 30/9/09 11:23 help entrepreneurial students follow in the footsteps of Bloxham and get a first taste for selling their own products. Marcus Lord, MMU’s business development manager at the Faculty of Art and Design, snapped up the chance, thinking the space would be ideal for recent graduates from the creative business development course. Says Lord: “At first I wasn’t Page 9 “I want my creative freedom and feel I can make a better living being self-employed. You have to be really brave.” “These were all people the outside world is like.” interested in selling their own One of the first students to Said Ward: “People come to Affleck’s for precisely these kind of one-off handcraft pieces, so it’s a good place to be. You have got to have a crack at it otherwise you will never know.” Another student was Melissa Wilkinson, also 23, who was selling her jewellery. “The last thing I want to be doing is making some mass produced product for some big chain. creations rather than working for try their hand at Affleck’s was sure how popular the project big companies and it’s been a 23-year-old Jamie Ward who would be but very quickly great learning ground for them. designs and makes his own feel I can make a better living I had a number of students who Such direct experience really helps furniture and would love to one being self-employed. You have to were really keen. them find out for themselves what day have his own workshop. be really brave.” –9– “I want my creative freedom and p10-11 Learning works 30/9/09 10:38 Page 10 David Oates photohraphy LEARNING WORKS {Transplantingsuccess} MMU is hoping an innovative link-up with a Cheshire vehicle dismantler will help both shape government policy and change consumer behaviour. W hen it comes to just be repaired with recycled car eco-friendly policies parts. In the US this does already the motor industry happen, but here in the UK it may be trying hard to raise its doesn’t at all. Instead your game. But as a tie-up between insurance company will simply MMU and one specific car call up a particular bodyshop dismantler shows, there is still a which will then go away and long way to go for the industry to purchase a brand new part. match its rhetoric. For instance you might have However one Cheshire business, with the help of MMU, thought in these environmentally is trying hard to make the conscious times that if you industry head down the American crashed your car then it might route. Car Transplants, based – 10 – p10-11 Learning works 30/9/09 10:38 Page 11 LEARNING WORKS recycle on their doorstep they are more reluctant to recycle when it Battling bugs Research tackles infections comes to their car. However our survey has indicated that MMU is continuing to lead the fight provided you can guarantee the against hospital superbugs with quality they are happy to use scientists turning to natural recycled car parts.” remedies to find solutions. The findings of the research are department of biological sciences, Standards Institute. Professor Valerie Edwards-Jones A key element of the KTP looking at how alternative comparative carbon emissions treatments from plant extracts to data which shows the reduction maggots can combat a range of in carbon emissions by using potentially deadly infections. parts for vehicle repairs. Another element involves MMU A recent trial at Wythenshawe Hospital's burns unit demonstrated the power of natural oils in helping the company, which is attacking micro-organisms, and sited in the green belt, analyse she continues to work closely with its pollution levels and find new Wigan-based Scent Technologies income streams for recycled with her research. materials. Company facilities manager “The product shows a lot of promise and this is really exciting Jill Grainger is full of praise for work", said Edwards-Jones. "There the partnership. “The key benefit is still a lot of research to be done for us is having a dedicated and we're hoping to look at how to member of staff who brings with blend these oils into a number of them all the resources of MMU different carriers in order to keep which would usually be out of these superbugs at bay." reach for a small company such near Nantwich, has created an has now spent several years also involves MMU producing recycled rather than used car Grainger: Improving image of industry From her base at MMU's now being fed back to the British Researchers are also hoping to as ours. This initiative is also raise awareness among the general helping to improve the image of public on the benefits of using the car salvage industry.” essential oils. "We would like to see Linda Reichenfeld, senior Reichenfeld adds that the them used in general hygiene online network of used car part lecturer in interdisciplinary studies KTP is a great example of the products so that people can take dealers and is working with at MMU Cheshire, says the university working with business. their own precautions in protecting insurer Allianz to distribute parts initiative benefits the consumer. “MMU Cheshire is a small themselves from infection." direct to repair centres. “It could reduce costs for the department and I have been able motorist because they will be to bring in other academics. In natural materials as an alternative using recycled parts. The big Cheshire we are very close to the to antibiotics upon which we have The company began a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership The scientist's priority is to use become too reliant. “Although people are happy to recycle on their doorstep they are more reluctant to recycle when it comes to their car.” Prof Edwards-Jones is also researching a number of other natural treatments. For instance she is currently finishing off a trial for Diabetes UK looking at the eradication of MRSA from diabetics' foot wounds with (KTP) programme with MMU in hurdle is that motorists don’t local business community and the aid of maggots, and exploring 2008 with the aim of researching want what they perceive to be have a large number of alumni how silver can be used as an customer perceptions of using second class parts in their car. working with local businesses on anti-microbial agent in wound recycled car parts. Although they are happy to various projects.” dressings. – 11 – p12-13 Fergie Interview 30/9/09 10:39 Page 12 SIR ALEX FERGUSON To watch the interview with Sir Alex Ferguson go to ©Getty images www.mmu.ac.uk {Anopengoal} Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t go to university but still has plenty of sound advice for today's graduates. Speaking to Success before receiving his Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from MMU, we found out the secret to his success. I the legend, not least his insatiable appetite for hard work and endeavour. "Someone once asked me what was your greatest quality, and I see it as working hard. I think working hard all your t may be a well-worn cliché life is one of the hardest things to but it is an adage that Sir do, but lying in bed does you no Alex Ferguson is keen to good, moping around does you repeat very soon into our no good. Work does you good, so interview. "Life really starts after you shouldn't be afraid of it. It is your education and what you do something that you should relish with it. Just how much drive and and look forward to." energy you have to succeed in this competitive world of today." Today's graduates could certainly learn a thing or two from – 12 – Sir Alex admits though that in today's society such an outlook may not always be as easy to adopt. "It is not easy in the p12-13 Fergie Interview 30/9/09 10:39 Page 13 SIR ALEX FERGUSON “People are treating football as modern world because you hear people. People know that I’m in Then you get into the training of people retiring at 45 or 50. I’m the office every morning at 7am ground and see the young lads an item for themselves, owning 67 and have never had one day and know where I am. Time and players in training sessions clubs with untold wealth that you off since I became an apprentice keeping and discipline are without and you know how much wonder if it is really good for the at 16. Working hard is a great question motivation for people you love it. It is a fantastic game or good for that particular quality. It is rewarding, self working under you. Over the last football club. I have a young and club. satisfying and brings you self- few years bit by bit members of new team and want to see that esteem. No-one but yourself can my staff are coming in earlier. mature. judge what it means to you." “Picking the moment is very "My own qualities have “The clubs involved cannot complain because they see a possibility of richer rewards ahead. impacted on the club. The difficult. Firstly in terms of getting That has got to be the carrot. personal reward and success can working hard ethic, trying to keep off the treadmill; secondly But it is not easy winning things, be a rocky one, but says learning time, being in early. Inspiring because of how much I’m definitely not easy, and they’ll soon how to cope with adversity is people to be better. Sometimes enjoying it; and thirdly because of find out.” another great asset. "Failure is you have to drive your staff, your health. You need your health Sir Alex admits that the road to not a problem, it is how you deal with it that is the problem. If you don’t deal with it you will fail again. “Adversity has always driven Manchester United on because we don’t like losing. The character we have in the dressing room has to come to the surface “Your attitude should be ‘I have my chance, I am in this world, I am going to succeed’. At some point you will find your way.” when we lose a game." encourage them, have to man to carry on working at my level and with the UK facing its highest manage them. The humans I am and so far I’m fine.” levels of youth unemployment for dealing with today do not have Sir Alex admits that having a generation, that adversity is the mental toughness of those been on the treadmill for so long most likely to take the shape of I was speaking to 25 years ago. he will not be able to “just stop”. knockbacks in the jobs market. That’s to do with the upbringing Indeed an ambassadorial role at of children. We want them to have the club has been widely touted students is that they shouldn't get better lives and there tends to be and he is not averse to the idea. hung up about the competition. a softer approach to life in "Students shouldn't worry about general." In a fiercely competitive world, But Sir Alex's advice for the number of people that have His interest and passion for the game will probably never diminish, albeit that he has genuine Sir Alex says the quality of a qualified at the same time as good team or workforce is the concerns over the continued influx them, that’s a negative. strength of that whole team ethic. of foreign money into the game. "It is important that people “I think there is an awful lot of worth applying for a job because understand the qualities of each expenditure and you say to hundreds will apply’ then that's other and protect those qualities yourself where is it going to end? not a positive attitude. Your view on a bad day." That is exactly what was “If your attitude is ‘it's not should be ‘I have my chance, happening in the business world Given his still unbounded I am in this world, I am going to enthusiasm and passion for his two years ago. There were warning succeed’." work, it is hard to see Sir Alex signs and everyone knew there finally hanging up his boots any were, yet they carried on because admits that even in the twilight of time soon. After the retirement it was so easy to access loans. a phenomenally successful career that never was a few years back, he still learns much from others. Sir Alex remains equivocal on the yourself the warning signs are subject. there, but nobody seems to be It is revealing that Sir Alex So what do you need to be a successful leader? Sir Alex has “Sometimes I wonder whether I “In the football world you say to bothering about it. You wonder just one word, inspiration. “As a will be here in three of four years where it’s going to go and what is leader the most important quality time, other mornings you wake up going to happen if one major club you need is the ability to inspire and say have I done enough? are to go, to collapse. – 13 – The facts Sir Alex’s record at Manchester United may never be matched in the modern game 1913 (won 1093) Games in charge (at time of writing) 11 5 2 Premier League titles FA Cup victories UEFA Champions League victories p14-15 honorand 30/9/09 10:40 Page 14 HONORANDS {Mastersoftrades} This year’s class of MMU honorands come from a broad spectrum of backgrounds ranging from sport and business to healthcare and the arts. Gerry Yeung, Professor Mike Jones, restaurateur director of the Foundation for Management Education Honorary doctorate in business administration Yeung says there is no set path Honorary doctorate in business administration to business success other than “skill, hard work and luck”. As he Jones has been at the forefront of particularly as all its programmes added: “You have just graduated, the global business education are accredited by professional you have this skill, enthusiasm, revolution and is a former Director bodies and associations. youthfulness, energy and creativity. General of the Association of You just have to go out there. MBAs. He has worked with MMU that business schools have played There is no set path, you never Business School (MMUBS) for 15 their part in the recent banking stop learning.” years and sits on the school’s advi- catastrophe in terms of making sory board. executives stick to rigid formulas. Yeung admits that he has never had a nine to five day, while there Despite the massive explosion in “Business schools should certainly is no such thing as a free lunch - business education Jones says be giving thought to how they even in his job! there is still a considerable gap approach business regulation, between what universities offer and business ethics and business what business needs. sustainability, and look for lessons Yeung has had to question his own business strategy in recent times. In early 2009 he opened a Jones says MMUBS is very much boutique oriental style hotel in at the forefront of bridging this gap, As the co-founder and owner of the centre of Manchester, but was Manchester’s most famous and, forced to close it down as the arguably, most successful recession took hold. Cantonese restaurant Yang Sing, Jones is happy to answer criticism so the mistakes of the past are not repeated.” Dr Edward de Bono, As he adds: “You always learn thinker Honorary doctorate of letters Yeung holds a special place in the from whatever mistakes you make. Manchester business community. You sit back and reflect on what’s Thinking for yourself rather than ception. Research shows that happened and what is or isn’t just searching for answers in teaching my work as a separate its founding principles was that it beyond your control. I still strongly today’s google-dominated world subject increases performance in would become an integral part of believe that our product was is just one of the many facets of every subject by between 30 and the city’s businesss community, absolutely right and everyone who Edward de Bono’s approach to 100 per cent.” and Yeung has been true to his stayed in the hotel loved it.” modern life. When Yang Sing opened one of word. It’s a wider message that holds The internationally renowned Not suprisingly Yeung is a De Bono believes education in the UK is “incredibly old fashioned”, leading authority on the growing thinker has just launched his while in terms of the use of true for graduates embarking on links between China and the UK latest foundation centre at MMU’s computers he has major their career today. As Yeung and the opportunities for business, Crewe campus from where he concerns. remarked to students when he cultural and educational exchange. hopes his ideas on creative picked up his doctorate: “When He sees the links as only growing thinking will find their way into put computers in front of young you get out into the big wide in time. classrooms and boardrooms kids they start believing that you across the region. don’t have to think for an answer, world, if there is any opportunity it “From a business perspective One of the key drivers of the “There is a danger that if you would be nice for you to give a alone we should from this end of little bit of yourself to the the world be looking at how we foundation is to improve creativity answer. That is dangerous. communities to which you belong. can attract investment from China in schools. As he explains: “The Thinking is the most important That will make for a better world, and how we can better access the core programme is teaching per- human skill, yet it is neglected.” and you will be enriched by it.” Chinese market.” – 14 – you just have to search for an p14-15 honorand 30/9/09 10:40 Page 15 HONORANDS Sarah and Barney Storey, paralympians Honorary doctorates in science LA Olympics. “I was mesmorised. sport. It is not just about the there should not be any barriers to most inspirational athletes. Sarah The Storeys are two of Britain’s Everything since then has been facilities either, it is about the getting involved in sport. “The same was a swimming gold medallist at about putting on that Birtish vest.” people who run those facilities. can be said for students,” adds Barney says the key to success Everyone is sports mad! We have Barney. “All the opportunities are on and then also took gold 16 years has been their continued drive to be great football teams in this region their doorstep.” later as a cyclist at the Beijing the best while receiving great but that is just the tip of the Paralympics. support from family and coaches. sporting iceberg. There are fantastic journey you are on. It has to be “Gold medals don’t come without facilities all around the city.” something that inspires you to get the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992 Meanwhile her husband Barney was also a double cycling gold a lot of support behind you,” medallist at Beijing last year. he says. Sarah remarks that her desire to Adds Barney: “Just look at the success of the British cycling team. The couple are passionate Adds Sarah: “You must enjoy the up in the morning. “Everyone is good at something Without Manchester’s velodrome and the challenge is finding that represent her country goes right promoters of Manchester’s fantastic cycling in the UK would not be something and nurturing the talent back to when she was just six when sporting facilities. As Sarah adds: where it is now.” you have whether it is in business, she remembers watching the 1984 “Manchester is such a hotbed for Nicola Shindler, The couple are living proof that Professor Kevin Mackway-Jones, TV producer Honorary doctorate in arts Although TV drama is still centred on London, Shindler believes that sport or education.” yourself a particular skill-set, be are full of character.” Shindler says the key to success passionate and be determined. In physician Honorary doctorate in health when it comes to the wider arts in such a cut-throat industry is the current climate you have to there are plenty of opportunities knowing what you want. “It’s all take any job in the industry or for regional cities like Manchester about finding yourself a niche, work experience opportunity. A leading physician at Manchester to capitalise. doing your research, and seeing Then when you are in, look around Royal Infirmary, Mackway-Jones In particular she feels that the who is making what and in what and see what people are doing has developed a major reputation giant MediaCity development in style, and who they are working and how they work and learn from in the field of life support and the Salford Quays, which involves the with. Be knowledgeable, watch them.” whole area of major incident relocation of large parts of the everything on television and have BBC from London, can only be a something to say.” good thing for the region and may Shindler believes that universities have a major role to play in terms She adds that it is not enough management education. He approached MMU several of developing the stage and years ago with a view to a help revive the industry. However for graduates to say ‘I want to screen talent of tomorrow. collaboration on higher degrees in she warns: “Clearly it must not be work in television’. “The question “Universities are hugely important health, and has since set up the merely a temporary move. It must they need to be asking is what in this area, not so much in terms Centre for Effective Emergency be long-term and sustainable they would would do in TV. of job-ready skills but in that they Care which has introduced a growth.” To succeed you have to find provide life experience. You learn range of masters degrees for to be independent and find your professionals in the health service. Shindler has been at the forefront of putting Manchester on the own way. drama map in recent years, most “Actors such as Steve Coogan Mackway-Jones says there are more degrees in the pipeline and notably through her landmark and John Thompson, who came his ultimate aim is that people will productions such as Clocking Off, to MMU, may not have known associate MMU with the best in Queer as Folk and Unforgiven. where they would find work, but emergency care and medicine. She believes Manchester is such they definitely learnt about and a popular location for film and TV how to do comedy.” production because it is a very strong creative centre. She adds that it is great that universities are increasingly Meantime he is particularly passionate about the continuing growth of cutting-edge health services and research, especially “I think writers respond helping people to become writers, in Manchester, and how it can to the city, its language but adds that it would be good directly link to health services. and its stories which to train more directors too. – 15 – p16-19 Creative writing 30/9/09 10:42 Page 16 CREATIVE WRITING {Creativespark} MMU’s Creative Writing MA has provided the spark for a whole class of writers to change their career path and pursue their life-long literary dreams. Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate and Professor of Poetry at MMU, nationally known writers. As Duffy explains: “Our describes her role at the students really benefit from university’s Writing School as one performing their poems to a large she wouldn’t be without. “The local audience. This is how I most exciting element for me is started as a young poet and it’s running the poetry MA workshop important to me to retain the where we focus intently on new connection between page and poetry by the students, usually performance, town and gown, in concentrating on two or three this context.” poets each week.” As Creative Director of MMU’s Such sentiments from Duffy Writing School, Duffy says she is speak volumes about the strength delighted to have established the of MMU’s creative writing offer, Manchester Poetry Prize and the and offer which also extends far Manchester Fiction Prize. “With a children’s writing and also hopes the university’s education outreach beyond the classroom too. first prize of £10,000 these are the to establish a scheme called programme. largest prizes for creative writing Mancheser Placements, short of their kind in the UK.” residences for postgraduate poets. For instance the university also has a strong relationship with the Royal Exchange Working with MMU’s Writing Duffy also gives readings to As Duffy adds: “Whatever the future holds, my commitment to living in Manchester and to Theatre in Manchester where School Duffy is also currently children and to GCSE and A-level teaching at the Writing School student poets can work alongside developing a new festival of students who visit MMU as part of remains central.” Achieving the dream When most people reach their education in part thanks to the book is set in her native Wales sixties they are thinking of new online part-time format. and looks at how history affects book deal, Strachan will retirement. But Mari Strachan us. The intriguing title refers to publish her follow-up novel has other ideas. With her first all her life, Mari wanted to start the fact that the earth does, within 18 months but feels novel already a hit, and a afresh and the MA gave her the according to scientists, hum at under no pressure to write second in the pipeline, her confidence to persevere with her the note of B flat. every hour of every day. literary career is just taking ideas. She confesses it wasn’t The novel’s protagonist, 12- Instead she sees writing as a off. easy doing an MA, but the hard year old Gwenni, unearths much career that never has to end. work has paid off. She started of her family history and indulges thinking of retiring shortly writing her first novel The Earth in fantasy and investigation. Since I’ve achieved my dream. before starting a Creative Hums in B Flat during her final publication the book has received At my age I’m so happy to Writing MA at MMU, but was year. rave reviews and also featured on be keeping myself busy doing Radio Four’s Book at Bedtime. something I enjoy.” Strachan admits she was inspired to consider further Having been a librarian nearly As part of her two-year Published in March 2009 the – 16 – “I’m just so thankful that p16-19 Creative writing 30/9/09 10:42 Page 17 CREATIVE WRITING A tough, single life For Maria Roberts, writing a blog But that’s exactly what Roberts, who hails from listings magazine City Life where started as something of a hobby happened after her blog, with its Manchester, originally graduated she was kids editor and a general after losing her job when a witty and wry observations on life in English and Spanish from columnist. Her columns would lifestyle magazine closed down. as a single mum, developed Manchester University and then prove the forerunner to the blog Never in her wildest dreams could something of a cult following and went on to do a novel writing MA singlemotherontheverge.com and she have imagined that her online even won best personal blog at at MMU. when the magazine shut down ramblings would one day be the Manchester Blog Awards last turned into a book. year. After finishing that course she landed a job on Manchester she began pouring her creative energies into her blog and other writing. Roberts isn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects and as such her decision to lift her anonymity on “If I had remained anonymous I would not have been able to talk freely.” the blog was a significant one. “As a writer if you are passionate about saying something it is better to say it in your own name. If I had remained anonymous I would not have been able to talk freely about those things.” Roberts admits that her friends think that she has invaded her own privacy. But she doesn’t agree. “I don’t think I have because the thing I care most about is writing about difficult issues that women face.” Roberts admits that her book of the same name as the blog could easily have turned into a misery memoir, but she says she made a conscious decision to make it more light-hearted. David Oates photography “I deliberately made it humorous and written in a very chatty style even though the subject matter is at times still shocking.” – 17 – p16-19 Creative writing 30/9/09 10:42 Page 18 CREATIVE WRITING David Oates photography Food for thought You wouldn’t think a degree in Food Manufacturing Management would lend itself to writing novels, but Nii Parkes has proved otherwise. After graduating in 1998 from MMU he went into the food industry, but didn’t stay long. Now, 11 years later, he has released his first novel. Parkes decided that although he enjoyed working in the food industry it wasn’t what he wanted to do long-term. This change in career path saw him hire his own literary agent and he had already “The best writers are true to themselves and do not deviate from their own unique style.” published some of his poetry when he signed up to do a Masters degree in Creative Writing at Birkbeck College, London. However 35-year-old Parkes, who lives in Manchester, stresses that an MA doesn’t teach people how to write. “Students should regard creative writing courses as a springboard for their writing careers. They are a fast track to life in literature.” Parkes believes the recession has made publishers more cautious. However in an increasingly competitive market he has managed to break through – 18 – p16-19 Creative writing 30/9/09 10:42 Page 19 Charlie Hedley photography CREATIVE WRITING a work about power and faith. He A change of direction describes it as a detective story An intensive creative writing which frames a story of abuse degree at MMU has propelled within a family. He isn’t scared to Andrew Forster to his second throw in some of his own Ghanaian published poetry collection, language, which adds to the Territory, which will be published at lyricism and authenticity of the the end of 2009. with his novel Tail of the Blue Bird, novel which is set in Ghana where he grew up. The Creative Writing MA, which he did online while in full-time His advice for writers is not to employment, gave Andrew a boost lose sight of who they are, and that at a time when, in his own words, to succeed in writing you need he was “struggling to find discipline and a willingness to direction”. improve. “You have to have a good idea of what you want to learn.” Forster is currently the literature Forster was already a published working in social care, but his aspirations gradually shifted towards writing. Online courses are proving increasingly popular for mature students like Forster who have daytime jobs. When he did his online MA he was living in a remote part of Scotland so access to a local university was difficult. As he says: “The online course was ideal because you can work officer for The Wordsworth Trust in from home. Work is submitted via writer when he started the degree Grasmere in the Lake District, a e-mail while internet chat rooms sometimes produce work that is in 2005, aged 41. Fear of Thunder, role he fills while also finding time are a substitute for seminars and formulaic and written in a his first poetry collection, is a to write his own poems. His job you talk to tutors over the phone.” predictable fashion. The best largely autobiographical work, involves organising workshops Forster has some simple but writers are true to themselves and drawing on relationships and and poetry readings, while also sound advice for graduates. “You do not deviate from their own childhood memories, whereas working with poet-in-residence have to have a good idea of what unique style.” Territory focuses on landscapes Emma Jones. you want to learn and avoid vague “Creative writing students can Parkes is currently working on a such as South West Scotland. Forster began his career second novel about a UN soldier. – 19 – ideas,” he says. p20-21 My thoery 30/9/09 10:43 Page 20 BOOK REVIEWS {firsttimers} In this issue we review the debut works of three MMU alumni The earth hums in B flat Single mother on the verge In All Probability Mari Strachan Maria Roberts Pneuma Springs Perseus Books Penguin When a Mr Evans dies suddenly, apparently This debut from Roberts is hard to categorise. drowned in the local reservoir, the most unlikely In parts it is classic chick-lit territory as she detective steps up to the job of finding out how. takes us through a young Despite warnings from the police and most of mother’s tangled love life while all her concerned mother, young Gwenni trying to bring up her young son. Morgan embarks on a mission to find out the However such a categorisation truth, not only about who killed Evans but also certainly doesn’t apply to the about the truth concerning her own family opening pages in which our young history and the secrets which have been locked mother is confronted by an away for years. ex-partner. Steve Morris MMU alumnus Steve Morris realises his lifelong In a cruel world of saddening revelations and finally unearths the truth. sinister undercurrent may be a liitle hard to digest for some. Indeed one is tempted to multiple storylines often intertwining to ask why Roberts chose not to add depth and intrigue to the story. write a more serious novel However the novel starts slowly given the subject matter. although this is in part deliberate as the relevance of the early events only become apparent later on. an array of often elaborate situations, ranging from the mundane inability to remember Given that the novel is inspired by est sufficiently to make the blog of the same name, perhaps it us want to reach the end. should come as little surprise that the That said she establishes the reader is confronted by such a style. characters very well. They are all very Churchill, each left to the mercy of fate. His wry style ensures the tales end with a neat twist; some are amusing, while others are designed to shock. This trademark finish, of flipping the story on its head within the last adeptly demonstrates his dry sense of humour. and random thoughts. not sustaining our inter- sci-fi inspired Winston paragraph, is one of Morris’ key strengths and style which flits between events between two stools and But is there a wider message here for would-be writers who fancy developing their blog into something more? Namely, does it automatically follow vivid characters, which adds to the hype and that a successful blog will translate into confusion over the death. a successful book? While the jury remains The themes and messages of the book are The book revolves around the theme of chance. Morris creates these concurrent themes isn’t deliberate yet disjointed writing on the edge of falling novel is set is also packed full of gossipers and to be crammed into just 137 pages. The juxtaposition of helped by Roberts’ very However Morgan does teeter developed. The small Welsh village in which the imaginative style allows for 30 stories in the story My Tune to the return intermittently, as it does, to a more human and easy to identify with, and are well collection of short stories. His succinct, For an essentially comic novel to difficult circumstances, Gwenni persists and Strachan’s novel is well crafted with ambition by presenting his first published out on that one, we still look forward to In All Probability’s characters are deliberately non-heroic, instead real people who find themselves in abnormal situations. An assassin with a unique technique, an almost-was football player and a bitter long-forgotten one-hitwonder pop star are just a few of the random figures who turn up within the book. And while this may sound fanciful, the majority are easily identifiable segments of society with recognisable character traits. Although the very nature of a short story can thwart a reader’s ability to invest any significant intellectual or emotional commitment into it, In All Probability serves as a diverse collection of tales, perfect clear, and there is nothing deep or mind- future work by Roberts who clearly has for a quick read on a boggling about Strachan’s story. It is a tale a very natural writing flair. coffee break or during about human nature, truth and lies, and knowing Her next novel is based around who you are and where you come from. the travails of a pig farmer, and Despite a slightly far-fetched storyline the result that certainly will give us is ultimately an engaging and well constructed something completely novel considering this is her first book. different. the daily commute. Morris’ varied thematic style means there is something to entertain even the most ardent of critics. – 20 – p20-21 My thoery 30/9/09 10:43 Page 21 MY THEORY R arely a day goes by without some supplements on a daily basis, although story about the implications of studies that have given women single-dose women delaying having children and high iron supplements have caused how this affects their fertility. GI problems too. It’s a hot topic, but from a nutritional Therefore including staple, iron-rich food perspective the importance of nutrition before within the daily diet may be another and during pregnancy is a subject I have alternative way to improve iron status in been closely involved with for many years. pregnancy. Although not related specifically to fertility, Overall, I would say that nutrition is my interest within the field began when fundamentally important before, during and I received a PhD scholarship at London’s after pregnancy. Before, to optimise fertility and South Bank University to investigate dietary accumulate nutrient stores ready for pregnancy. intake, levels of physical activity and related gastrointestinal (GI) issues in women throughout and after pregnancy. It is very difficult to obtain data for the DR. EMMA DERBYSHIRE early phases of pregnancy as many women do not usually attend ante-natal appointments until the end of the first trimester. However, I managed to gain access to St George’s Hospital which had an Early Throughout, to fuel the development of the growing foetus. And after to optimise the nutrition composition of breastmilk and lose pregnancy weight. The wider issue here is that pregnancy SENIOR LECTURER AND RESEARCHER IN HUMAN NUTRITION, MMU may contribute to long-term weight gain. Women need to be guided about the importance of being a healthy weight when they conceive. Being overweight or obese at Pregnancy Unit and obtain data throughout conception increases the likelihood of the entire gestative period which made the medical complications during pregnancy. study quite unique. These include the development of gestational Basically I found that both fibre (and fluid) intakes were both diabetes, pre-eclampsia and delivery complications. When combined with inadequate which exacerbated GI problems in pregnancy. Further work incorrect levels of weight gain during pregnancy this may place women in a is needed to study the importance of eating fibre during pregnancy so that new dietary guidelines, specific to pregnancy, can be developed. Talking generally, my advice to older mothers would be not to panic. Chronological age is not necessarily the same as ovarian age. For instance if older women have a healthy lifestyle they may have a younger ovarian age. Although higher BMI (Body Mass Index) category after “My advice to older mothers would be not to panic. Chronological age is not necessarily the same as ovarian age.” dietary factors can help to improve fertility birth (contributing to the UK obesity epidemic). Now that new weight gain guidelines have been compiled by the Institute of Medicine, government agencies and healthcare providers need to support women in helping to remain within the recommended weight gain ranges during pregnancy. Research is also needed to study the benefits of nutrition and exercise after birth. Overall, I would say that it is important and support IVF, it is important to consider that many women are infertile to promote the fact that women should think about their nutritional because of other medical problems. wellbeing (and body weight) when they are planning to conceive. More recently, myself and colleagues at MMU were awarded research Leaving it until pregnancy itself may be too late. funding from the ROCHE Foundation for Anaemia Research to investigate whether consumption of bread naturally rich in iron may help to prevent If you would like further information in connection with this article iron-deficiency. Unfortunately many women do not comply and take please contact Dr Derbyshire at [email protected] – 21 – p22-23 Alumni_2 30/9/09 10:44 Page 22 ALUMNI {Newhorizons} Cathy Carr’s inspirational story shows that you’re never too young to pursue your dreams. Elsewhere we catch up with other alumni embarking on new careers. Cathy Carr Carr sees working with the 3D Art and Design community as a particularly key Being diagnosed with ME proved a stained glass windows and life-changing moment in more Venetian glass when a child. The ways than one for Cathy Carr. translucency, depth, reflective and Unable to work any longer as a emotive properties of glass nurse, Carr decided to do some- entrance me.” thing serious with the second love part of her make-up. For instance After taking a foundation diploma of her life, namely working with in arts and design at Tameside glass. College near her home in Glossop, “Rather than sit at home and get with other artists in her area. “I am motivated by the joy of what I do, not the commercial “Rather than sit at home and get bored I realised this was the perfect opportunity for me.” Derbyshire, Carr then took her MMU bored I realised this was the degree followed by a creative one of her projects depicted the angle. I am interested in engaging perfect opportunity for me,” says business course. “I wanted the decline of independent shops with the arts involved with the 51-year-old. “I have had a inspiration to create my own work from the big retail chains. Now she healthcare, healing and exploring fascination with glass as an art and the ability to use new technology has finished her studies Carr is the positive impact art can make form ever since seeing magnificent integrated with old crafts.” looking to form a co-operative on lives.” – 22 – p22-23 Alumni_2 30/9/09 10:44 Page 23 ALUMNI Aisling McVeigh History of Film, Photography and Graphic Media 2000 Catching up on sleep is proving the a cameraman and I grew up around such as newspapers biggest challenge for Irish-born it. However I started in print and regional TV as Aisling McVeigh as she hits the big journalism because it is really good they come under time on our TV screens. to get a proper grounding in local pressure from those news. It was probably the best changes. Aisling has joined GMTV as a reporter and admits the punishing nightshift is taking some getting thing I ever did.” “As things stand She adds that her MMU degree commercial regional used to. “I’m typically doing 70 per continues to prove useful too. “One news is staying on cent nights and 30 per cent days at of the biggest things which I still our screens until the moment,” she admits. think about is that understanding of 2012 but if it goes how great images can tell a after that date it small price to pay for reaching the fantastic story. You can effectively would be a huge loss top of her profession, admits turn your report into a mini film.” and I don’t think people would However sleep deprivation is a Aisling. She started working for Aisling says once she moved into realise what a loss it would be. GMTV in the summer, joining from TV it was like moving into a So many things come from local industry is going. You wonder the ITV Meridian regional news “different world”, not least because regional news, especially when it whether there will be jobs for channel. Prior to that she worked in of the ever-changing technological highlights concerns in the local talented people in the next few regional newspapers. demands. However she has community for instance. years and I have seen lots of good Asiling says she had always concerns about what will happen to harboured going into TV. “My dad is Craig Thomas traditional forms of news provision “At the moment it is actually hard to see where the wider news people made redundant in recent times.” Navin Chauhan Diploma in Human Resource Management 1998 MSc in Psychology 2005 Aisling isn’t the only MMU graduate He says there has never been a “Although I had gained practical now working at GMTV whom we dull moment. “Over the last two experience of HR prior to Canadian health consultant and have tracked down in this issue. years there has been a constant embarking on my studies, the avid Success reader Navin period of change with new understanding of the theory behind Chauhan is continuing to take a technology being introduced into the it and exploring new areas keen interest in developments in After taking his diploma at MMU Craig Thomas moved to London where he first joined law firm Clifford Chance as a HR officer and then moved to media group Emap as an HR manager. Thomas found himself looking “Gaining the qualification made me more marketable.” after the music-related portfolio business resulting in new working definitely contributed to me being a within the business which included practices which I have overseen and more rounded HR professional. Kiss and Magic radio, music maga- implemented.” “Gaining the qualification also Manchester. Today he works for a Toronto HR consultancy firm where he specialises in ‘well-being’ service delivery and related business development. “One of the main things I do is talk about stress and how to cope zines Q and Mojo, and music He adds that the size of GMTV made me more marketable and with it,” he says. “I do a lot of events. “I thoroughly enjoyed really allows him to “get involved my career has really taken off since work in call centres which can be working in a creative business and and set the HR agenda”. then.” a really stressful environment was involved in big change Thomas believes the key to success management projects.” in business is persistence and drive In terms of his long-term goals which is continually driven by the he says there is plenty to keep bottom line and sales. Managers as well as a real passion for your him occupied at GMTV for the find our services useful for their break-up of the Emap business. “We all come across time being. Although he adds: staff.” empire, Thomas was challenges and barriers in “I would like to work abroad at Following the forced to seek If anyone would like to get business, but through deter- some stage and experience a in touch with Chauhan go to pastures new and mination we can break them new country, language and www.linkedin.com/in/ was offered the HR down.” culture. However I would need navinchauhan or at email him Director role at GMTV Meantime he says his to brush up on my linguistic at navin_chauhan@alumni. skills first.” manchester.ac.uk in 2007. diploma has proved invaluable. – 23 – p24 Venue North West 30/9/09 11:24 Page 24 VENUE MANCHESTER {venuemanchester} Your guide on where to head in the city over coming months CULTURE Fans of all things scientific are in for a treat when the annual Manchester Science Festival returns for its third MUSIC In The City, the music Rearing Wave, Bronze scuplture Maggi Hambling festival that has launched the careers of bands like running shows every Wednesday to Sunday through to the end of the year. Oasis, Coldplay and the year. Running during half term week Stereophonics, takes between 24 October and 1 November, the festival place between 18 and 20 SPORT comprises of up to 150 events October at Manchester’s After Burnley’s promotion from the for families and adults at a Midland Hotel and Championship to the Premier number of venues around throughout the venues and League there are now a host of the city. bars of the city. Meanwhile Exposures, North West clubs plying their trade Eight bands that have played at In The City in the past have gone a student film festival, in the top flight of football week in week out. is being held at Manchester’s North Sea currently on show at the on to share a total of 17 number Cornerhouse theatre and Urbis Lowry Centre until January next year. ones singles between them, Manchester Velodrome there are showing just how valuable the event three nights of cycling at the end of can be for up and coming bands. October as the Track Cycling World museum in November, while the Meantime the Lowry Favourites Manchester Literature Festival exhibition showing off LS Lowry’s runs from 15 to 25 October in the work runs at the Lowry until the end city. of December. Art-lovers can catch up with the Cup Classics series stops off in the city. THEATRE Now a permanent fixture on work of Maggi Hambling, one of Manchester’s calendar, the annual The immensely popular Britain's most distinguished Manchester Christmas Markets will musical Chicago comes contemporary artists, who has an once again be running throughout to Manchester between 27 exhibition of her latest work on the the city in December. October and 7 November at the city’s Palace Science mad: Johnny Ball at last year ’s festival Meanwhile over at the Theatre. The multi award winning production is filled with choreography inspired by Bob Fosse and a sizzling score including the famous numbers All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Razzle Dazzle. COMEDY If comedy is your bag then Manchester is the place to be in coming months. The Manchester Comedy Festival takes place in the last two weeks of October, comprising of various shows at different locations around the city, featuring both household names and local comics. From 25 November the Comedy Store Manchester will also be ©2009 Chicago 2009 tour – 24 – Cover 30/9/09 10:32 Page 21 Thank you Contributing to the MMU Fund Since its launch in January 2009, over 100 MMU alumni, staff and external businesses have chosen to support one of the MMU Fund’s vital projects, including student scholarships, bursaries, prizes and the provision of world-class facilities. We would like to thank all our Founding Donors for their support! Every charitable donation to MMU is currently worth almost twice as much to us thanks to a Government ‘matched’ funding scheme. So, by deciding to donate now, your gift has the potential to grow. To make a donation or to find out more, please go to: www.mmu.ac.uk/giving Tel: +44 (0)161 247 3402 Email: [email protected] Alumni & Development Manchester Metropolitan University Bellhouse Building, Lower Ormond Street Manchester, M15 6BX, United Kingdom Cover 30/9/09 10:32 Page 18 This publication is available in alternative formats. Telephone 0161 247 1692 Manchester Metropolitan University Bellhouse Building, Lower Ormond Street, Manchester M15 6BX Email: [email protected] Visit: www.mmu.ac.uk
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