Bradford College

Business & Law Awards 2010

Local and national businesses joined Bradford College to celebrate the success of top achievers at the annual Bradford School of Business & Law Awards Ceremony. The Awards Ceremony recognises the academic and personal success of our students, whose determination and drive to succeed impressed judges and led them to become the award winning students we know today.

During the auspicious evening, David Smith, Dean of HE was the Master of Ceremonies, whilst Michele Sutton, O.B.E, Principal and Chief Executive of Bradford College presented sponsored prizes to Business, Law, Computing and International students. Michele was joined by representatives from a wide range of sponsors including: Bradford Council, Telegraph and Argus, The Bank of Scotland, Custom Fittings and Turner & Townsend.  

Michele Sutton, O.B.E, was delighted to open the Business & Law Awards Evening. In part of her address, Michele said: “We’re here this evening to recognise the academic and personal achievements of you - our award winners. You have made a positive contribution to the College – the city and beyond.  You are a special group of people who have displayed all the qualities needed to succeed in life - drive, commitment, professionalism and the ability to meet and conquer challenges head on. We are proud of each and every one of you.”

Prize winners and sponsors heard an address from guest speaker Fiona Leteney, founder of e-learning business: Feenix e-Learning Ltd. As a leading authority on e-commerce, Fiona writes a regular column on e-learning standards for the industry magazine.

Survivorbility Ltd’s, Steve Stuttard, was also invited by Principal, Michele Sutton to give an address during the memorable evening. As an accomplished motivational speaker, Steve left sponsors and prize winners enthralled as he spoke of his experiences as a US Navy SEALs, trained by the SAS.  Steve has over 30 years’ training experience in the world of Personnel Management and is also an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner and a Fire-Walking Instructor.  

Students expressed their delight at the ceremony that recognised their great achievements…

Paul Garside was accompanied by his wife of 15 years, Michelle to accept the Leeds Metropolitan University, Computing Prize for the Best Overall Contribution to H.E. Computing.  With great happiness, Paul said:  “I’m delighted to be here this evening to accept my award.  I didn’t expect to win – I’m incredibly happy!”

Commenting on Paul’s great achievement, wife Michelle said: “I’m really proud of him.”  Completing his studies will change our lives. Its been a struggle, but we’re there now – and the future looks bright!”

Paul originally worked in the printing industry for 14 years, but gave up work in 2001 to care for his disabled son.  Paul explained: “When I finished caring I wanted to go back to work, but the printing industry was a dying trade, so I retrained in Computing. I’ve just about finished my studies and I’m hoping it’s going to lead to a successful career and long-lasting work.”

Multi award winning student, Zanele Nyoni-Lynch was the winner of the ICLR Mooting Competition Prize for the second consecutive year.  Zanele also scooped the Bradford Council (Legal & Democratic Services) Prize for Most Outstanding Achievement on LLB during the evening.  No stranger to success, hardworking Zanele was awarded three awards in 2008 and was announced as the winner of the 2009 African Academic Achievement Award.  

When asked how it felt to be recognised for her achievement, Zanele replied:  “It’s nice to be acknowledged.  I’m really happy to be here tonight with some of the friends that I’ve made on the course.    Zanele’s husband and mother attended the Awards Ceremony to see her collect her award.  With great happiness, Zanele’s mother said: “I’m very proud of her.  She’s a very hard working girl.  She really deserves to get these awards.”

Zanele’s husband, Stephen Lynch added: “It’s great to be here tonight. This Awards Evening is like a celebration of all her hard work, dedication and the long hours she put into her studies.  I feel very proud of her and I’m fully committed to supporting her with her education and career.  I don’t know anyone who works so hard and pushes themselves to get the marks that she’s achieved!” Zanele graduated last year with a first class LLB honours degree.

The Aura Creative Communications Ltd Prize for Personal Commitment was scooped by Mandhlenkosi Ncube.  Mature student and father of two, Mandhlenkosi demonstrated continuous dedication to his studies throughout his time in the Business School, whilst also juggling the commitments of family life and running his own logistics company.  Speaking about his experience of Bradford College, Mandhlenkosi said: “The tutors have been great. They kept on motivating me and telling me, ‘You can do it!’ I had to put a lot of effort in. Its not been easy, but I’m glad I’ve done it.  I’ve loved the experience.” Ambitious Mandhlenkosi also has plans in the pipeline to set up his own consultancy business.

Mandhlenkosi went on to add: “Bradford College is one of the best Colleges in the country - and I came here because of its outstanding reputation.”

Mandhlenkosi modestly remarked: “Winning the award has come as a great surprise to me. When the letter came through I couldn’t believe it. I had to ring up the college to make sure.  All I can say is I am delighted to accept the award this evening!”

Mandhlenkosi’s sons, Emmanuel and Phemelo attended the ceremony to see their father collect his award. With great happiness 15 year old Emmanuel said:  “He’s a great person and deserves to win this award.” 11 year old Phemelo added: “I’m proud to see my dad accept his award – and he’s a great dad!”

Bradford College University Centre Prize, for Overall Personal Commitment to H.E. Computing was awarded to Philip Faulkner by Principal Michele Sutton. Philip was delighted to have won and said: “It came out of the blue and I wasn’t expecting it. I came to college to try and learn something, so to get an award on top of that is really quite humbling. I thought it was a joke at first and I had to check with my tutor. He said ‘No – you’ve got it!’”

During his second year, Philip used to complete a140 mile round trip to attend the college. This did not deter Philip from succeeding with his goals. Philip explained why the trip to Bradford was worthwhile: “When I first started at the college I lived in Bradford, then I moved to Brigg. When I start something, I like to finish it.  It’s handy when you’ve got people you’re familiar with like the tutors and your fellow students and things are going well.  What’s the point in swapping and changing and going elsewhere.” Philip also scooped a Business Enterprise Award during his studies, along with a small team of fellow students from the H.E. Computing Course.

Award winner Ayesha Akbar won the Sweet & Maxwell Group Prize for the Best Performance in Law of Tort. 29 year old mother of five, Ayesha Akbar is no stranger to success, last year she scooped the Leeds Metropolitan University Prize for the Best Overall Contribution to H.E. Law. Commenting on winning for a second consecutive year, Ayesha said: “I’m humbled this year.  I’d like to thank my husband, children and my lecturers at the Bradford School of Law.  Without them, none of this would have been possible.”

When asked how Ayesha managed to juggle College life with the commitments of bringing up a family, Ayesha replied:  “It’s down to time management, having a routine and a slot for everything.”

Ayesha’s children were a big motivating factor behind her determination to carve out a successful career, she remarked:  “My children give me a goal in life.”  Ayesha continued: “They’re really, really excited for me.  I’m a role model for them now. Its also motivated them to try harder at school as well.”  Ayesha added: “The sky’s the limit – if I can do it - anyone can do it!”

The Survivorbility Ltd Prize for the ‘Greatest Determination to Achieve and Contribute’ went to Kesur Mahmood. Over the period of his degree studies, Kesur always showed full commitment and determination to achieve.  Kesur’s good natured contributions to class also extended to his involvement in Prince’s Trust courses and activities in the community which he undertook during the course.

Commenting on how he felt when heard he had won the award, Kesur said: “To be honest with you I was quite shocked to start with, but also very humbled at the same time.  I’d like to thank my tutors for all their help and support. I don’t think I could have done it without them. During my second year I had ongoing family problems, which meant I missed a number of lectures.  I still completed all my assignments and was determined to take my exams.” Kesur will graduate later this year with a first class honours degree.

The winner of the Bradford Business School Prize for Overall Personal Commitment went to Adana Bowers. Throughout the two years of her HND course Adana always demonstrated true commitment to do her best.  As a popular member of class, Adana is regarded by staff and students as caring, kind, helpful and hardworking. As she accepted the award from Principal Michele Sutton, Adana said: “I’m delighted and honoured to accept for this award. I’d like to thank my tutors for all their advice, encouragement and support. I also want to say thanks to my lecturer Maurice Manktelow for nominating me. I've been taught by the best! He's given me good advice and encouragement - supporting me all the way.  He consistently reinforced that I should never give up.”

Adana reflected: “I've worked really hard over the last three years to get here; now I can say it’s worth it!  It shows that anyone can do it - if you put your mind to it!" 

• Business and Law Awards – photographs courtesy of Michael Fox.
• Business and Law Awards - more photographs from the award winning evening.