A team of dedicated business enterprise volunteers
This network of Business Enterprise Advisers in Shropshire give their time freely out of a desire to make a difference and to ‘give back’ to the community.
Their role is to work with the senior leadership of the school or college to develop a careers guidance strategy and a rich and varied employer engagement programme. This approach is designed to enable the students to develop the necessary career knowledge, confidence and skills, to better equip them for the world of work.
Our team includes
Andy Coleyshaw
Chief Executive Officer at Request to Pay Ltd.
“I run a start-up fintech and believe we are all constantly learning. I got involved at the beginning and was one of the first EAs in Shropshire. I believe that schools and students need as much interaction with the world of work as they can get, sharing knowledge and work experiences to educate, encourage and spark some motivation or consideration for the future.”
Email: andyc@wearertp.com
Websites: Request to Pay / Secure Regulated Payments
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-coleyshaw-696a708/
David Parry
Managing Director at Wellmeadow Consulting Ltd.
David is a Non-Executive chairman for a number of businesses around the Midlands, run with his consulting team based on Roushill in Shrewsbury Town Centre. He helps grow companies – with expertise in digital marketing, recruitment and software development. It’s through his recruitment work that he decided to engage with schools to help them prepare students for the world of work. He also has a passion for helping state school pupils get in to Oxbridge – especially if they don’t get the support elsewhere.
Email: david.parry@wellmeadow.co.uk
Website: www.wellmeadow.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveparry/
Edwina McQueen
Apprenticeship & Training Consultant, McQueen Education & Training Consultancy
“I am passionate about apprenticeships & workplace learning having developed my own career path through the vocational route. Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to learn and earn, and develop all the employability skills employers want from their employees. It is important that young people know what options are available to them so they can make informed choices and I regularly give talks to schools about apprenticeships as Apprenticeship Ambassador for the West Midlands. I am delighted to be supporting young people as they work towards developing their own career path.”
Email: edwina@mcqueenetc.co.uk
Website: www.mcqueenetc.co.uk
Peter Morrison
Inventor, Entrepreneur
Peter Morrison is a distinguished inventor and multi-award-winning entrepreneur renowned for his creative spirit, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to education and environmental sustainability. Highlights of Peter’s journey include winning the prestigious Nesta British Inventor of the Year award, a memorable appearance on the renowned BBC show “Dragon’s Den”, as well as receiving numerous awards. Peter talks to local pupils and students about determination, creativity, a commitment to positive change, and champions the concept that individual passion and ingenuity can have a profound impact on society.
Email: petermorrison@eureka-exploration.com
Website: www.eureka-exploration.com
Jane Pritchard
Community Liaison Officer, AICO
“I appreciate that support from businesses is very important in order that schools can focus on their aims and help young people achieve their goals. Personally, this role is a great opportunity for me, to help have an impact on educational support, make a difference and help create sustainable futures. Young people are our future, it is important to support and guide them in the very best way we can.”
Email: jane.pritchard@aico.co.uk
Website: www.aico.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-pritchard-580094165/
Laura Opechowska
Community Liaison Officer, Aico
“Supporting students is not only beneficial for their future but also for the growth and sustainability of businesses. As the Community Liaison at Aico, I have dedicated myself to bridging the gap between students and opportunities, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate their career paths. By fostering meaningful educational encounters and spotlighting local opportunities, we empower students and enrich our community’s workforce. It’s a rewarding journey, witnessing students discover their potential and contributing to their journey towards success.”
Email: laura.opechowska@aico.co.uk
Website:www.aico.co.uk
Sarah Hooper
Founder, Thrive HR UK
Sarah (Assoc.CIPD) qualified in HR Management with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, has over 20 years’ experience partnering with business leaders on HR strategy, operations, implementation and a diverse range of employee relations matters. Sarah has a variety of experience in the finance, distribution, agricultural, hospitality, digital, environmental, planning and knowledge sectors, in small-medium sized business operating nationally and globally. Sarah is passionate about positive culture, career progression and wellbeing.
Email: info@thrivehruk.com
Website: https://www.thrivehruk.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hooper-26b11a1b9/
Chris Gough
Director, CGR Solutions/Silverpreneurs
Chris currently runs two consultancy businesses CGR Business Solutions and Silverpreneurs. In these companies he provides business support and advice to a wide range of SMEs, using his IT background to enable better running of organisations using data. Prior to that Chris worked for Hewlett Packard Enterprise for 31 years in the UK public sector space, latterly as Regional Operations Director and COO for part of the business. He also worked with Scottish Enterprise to secure a grant to create 721 jobs in Erskine.