A "RISING Star" and Staffordshire University student has been
recognised with two national industry awards.
Kenny Macfarlane, who works at Trentham-based Clive Durose
Woodturners Ltd, has won both the Construction News Rising Star of
the Year Award and the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Business Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
Fellow Staffordshire University student Lisa Finney also won the
Business Leaders of Tomorrow Award for her work as Marketing
Manager at GDM Heat Transfer, based in Rugeley, Staffordshire.
Both Kenny and Lisa are KTP associates between the University
and their respective companies.
Kenny, 23, from Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, won for helping to
launch and contributing towards a new division, called Precision
Timber Handrails (PTH), at Clive Durose.
He said: "Winning an award like this is a fantastic achievement.
To be recognised by the construction industry and as a KTP
associate is a great accolade, and I'm extremely proud.
"In my relatively short career, this is certainly a highlight,
and is the kind of milestone that will spur me on to achieve bigger
and better things in future."
Kenny, who is studying MSc Advanced Technology, added: "Since
starting my KTP, I've had fantastic support from my team at Clive
Durose, and through my academic supervisors at Staffs Uni.
"I work for a great company and have been given a chance to
develop my career. Staffordshire University have been extremely
supportive throughout."
Lisa, 27, from Fulford, Stoke-on-Trent, has been working at GDM
for two years, after completing a BA(Hons) Business Management
two-year Fast-track degree and starting an MBA in Business
Administration.
She won her award after helping to develop and implement a
marketing strategy to grow and expand GDM into international
markets.
She said: "I was ecstatic when I found out I had won the award.
It recognises the hard work that we have done on the KTP and shows
others what we have done through the partnership.
"Since the KTP project the company has experienced growth and
expanded into new offices. We are now looking at entering into new
markets within the UK and internationally."
Lisa added: "I chose the Fast-track because it allowed me to
challenge myself away from the conventional route of a three year
degree. And getting involved in the KTP has been both a great
opportunity for me to progress in my career through personal
development but also for GDM."
The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Awards 2011 ceremony takes
place on October 11, in Islington, London, when Kenny and Lisa will
be recognised for their achievements.