From Salford
Alumni Magazine 2014
PLUS
The new Salford Institute
for Dementia
Update: Transforming our
campus
How the horrors of war
changed nursing
Research studies
Your alumni updates
and much more...
CLASS
of
'92
United legends include University
in plans for Salford City FC
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Remarkable
stories to tell
Dear graduate,
Reading over this issue of the alumni magazine before writing this message, I was struck, as
in past years, by the extraordinarily broad spectrum of activity led by our academics, students
and global network of graduates.
From exciting initiatives, such as our partnership with the ‘Class of '92’, to ambitious research
projects, campus investment programmes, industry link-ups and flagship events, there is no
question that the University has some remarkable stories to tell.
My personal thanks to all the graduates who have contributed to the activity highlighted
in this magazine, and to those involved in the even larger body of activity that there simply
wasn’t space to cover. And my special congratulations to those truly exceptional graduates
who have received Alumni Achievement Awards.
Turning to the future, the next five years of activity at Salford will be shaped by our
new strategic plan, which was presented to Council in November 2013 and has now
been approved.
The document was drafted after close consultation with students, graduates, trade unions,
councils, external partners, and special-interest and community groups. In identifying our
strengths, areas of focus and priorities, it carves out a strong and distinctive proposition for
our future.
What I can confirm in advance of publication is that the University of Salford will remain
focussed on its traditional objectives: forming partnerships with industry, engaging with local
communities and conducting bold research that improves the lives of ordinary people.
On every page of this magazine, there are inspiring examples of the difference our staff,
students and graduates are making in these three areas. Their tireless efforts make me very
proud to be part of the Salford community. I hope you feel the same.
Professor Martin Hall
Vice-Chancellor
2 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
From Salford
Contents
How the First World War transformed nursing
04
Salford Institute for Dementia
06
Headlines: Key news and events
08
News and updates from Health & Social Care
10
International news
12
News and updates from Arts & Social Sciences
14
Transforming the campus
16
News and updates from Science & Technology
18
Class of ’92 partnership
20
News from Salford Business School
22
Giving back and opening doors
24
Social business
26
Honorary Graduates 2014
27
pg. 36-37: Salford graduate Ashley Pearce talks about
his career as a leading TV director.
From the Editor
As the University of Salford’s new Alumni Engagement
Manager it is my pleasure to welcome you to the latest
edition of From Salford - the magazine produced especially
for you, our alumni!
I would also like to extend a special welcome to our Class
of 2014 graduates; you are the latest members of a global
alumni network of over 135,000 people with a lifetime
connection to the University of Salford.
Perspectives – Your research and enterprise news 28
Alumni Achievement Awards 2014
34
Behind the camera with Ashley Pearce
36
Proile – Teni Matian
38
Get involved
40
Alumni updates
42
pg. 6-7: Improving
the lives of people
with dementia
Thanks to
Stacey Anderson, Frosyni Bairaktari, Caroline Boyd, Kyle
Broadhurst, Paul Butlin, James Castle, Ben Cawley, Kayla
Chen, Justin Clark, Claire Green, Aaron Groves, Alistair
Hann, Chris Hepworth, Tom Jirat, Colin McCallum, Ellen
Robotham, John Thornton, Jill Wright and all of our
contributing alumni.
Green magazine
If you would prefer to receive your magazine electronically,
please email your full name to alumni@salford.ac.uk with
‘Green Magazine’ in the subject line.
In this issue we bring you details of a host of brand new initiatives at the University,
including our cover story highlighting a new partnership with the Manchester United
‘Class of ’92’. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to participate in the highprofile project to develop local non-league side Salford City FC.
Over the past year we have also launched the unique Salford Institute for Dementia,
been visited by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, and produced a world
record-breaking echo! Find out more about all of these, and lots of other exciting
University updates, inside. On page 28-33 you will also find our research news
supplement ‘Perspectives’, outlining work by some of our leading academics in areas as
diverse as cancer diagnosis, the Chernobyl exclusion zone, and transforming the future
of TV,
Last but certainly not least are all of your alumni updates and stories about some of the
fantastic things that Salford graduates are achieving around the world.
I hope you will enjoy reading this issue of From Salford. Wherever you are now and
whatever you’re doing you’ll always be an important part of the Salford story. We are
working on ways to stay connected with our alumni and provide more opportunities for
you to benefit from engaging with the University, so please do take a moment to update
your details at www.salford.ac.uk/stayconnected.
Best wishes
Gareth Pettit
Alumni Engagement and Regular Giving Manager
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 3
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Never
forget
2014 marks 100 years since
the outbreak of the First World
War. At Salford, the Conlict
and Peace Project is a four year
rolling programme of events,
engaging with the issues of
conlict and peace from 1914
to the present day. The events
range from exploring our work
in prosthetics and wound care
to creative responses from
visual arts, creative writing
and drama; from solemn
commemorations of what has
been lost to celebrating the
hope and creativity which
arises from great adversity.
First World War had a huge impact on the lives
“The
of people in Salford. While a devastating war is never
to be celebrated, it is appropriate that we work with
others to commemorate this anniversary
”
Professor Martin Hall,
Vice-Chancellor
4 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
From Salford First World War
How the horrors of
war transformed the
nursing profession
Thrust into the horror of war unpaid and often with no training, the
life of a war-time nurse on the battleields of Europe was frequently
as trying as that of the soldiers they treated.
Despite this, nursing made huge advancements in patient care during
WWI and raised the proile of the women who chose the vocation.
On the 100th anniversary of the conflict,
Journalism student James Castle explores the
enduring impact that those who volunteered
their care in WWI made on nursing practice.
middle class families, who thought it was their duty to
go and provide as much care as they possibly could.
As a consequence of their dedication, nursing started
to attract more women to the vocation.
“
"The women who formed the nursing corps were
admired for their bravery, and, as the horrors of
mechanised war became clear, were faced with
treating new and horrific injuries.
We learnt lessons at the time
of World War One that patients
needed to be cared for more
holistically. They were cared for
compassionately and made as
comfortable and as pain free as
possible
”
Dr Celia Hynes,
Director of Multi Professional Postgraduate Studies
at our School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work &
Social Sciences.
At the outbreak of war in 1914 there were around
300 trained military nurses in the nursing corps, The
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service.
But by the end, this figure had grown to more than
10,000.
The catastrophic number of casualties in the spring
of 1915 led the army to call on volunteers, known
as Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs), to cope with
the demand.
In the words of Dr Celia Hynes, Director of Multi
Professional Postgraduate Studies at our School of
Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work & Social Sciences:
Limb loss and patient trauma, such as shell shock,
required a new approach. As Dr Hynes says, "We
learnt lessons at the time of World War One that
patients needed to be cared for more holistically.
They were cared for compassionately and made as
comfortable and as pain free as possible."
This was crucial as effective pain relief was often
not available. Care was also extended to treating
those who were not going to survive their injuries,
beginning the practice of palliative and end-of-life
care that is taught at the University today.
One of the major advancements made during the
war was the increased involvement of nurses in
making decisions about care. According to Dr Hynes,
"The use of clinical judgement in the provision of
care has been the main thing; nurses are now equal
to doctors. That has been made possible by the
experiences of those in World War One”. Those
on the frontline set nursing on a pathway from
noble vocation to clinical profession, and started
a revolution in how women in healthcare are
perceived. Today, due in large part to the courage
and intelligence shown by their forbears in WWI,
nurses are seen as leaders of change.
"There was a huge reliance on VADs. They were
young women who came from professional or upper-
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 5
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Improving the lives of
people with dementia
In November of last year, the University launched the Salford Institute for Dementia:
a ground-breaking initiative dedicated to helping communities live positively with dementia.
T
he Institute takes a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together academics from
across the University to find practical solutions to the challenges that dementia
presents to our society.
Their work includes: designing dementia-friendly public spaces, exploring the role that
technology plays in helping people live well in their own homes and using the power of the
arts to stimulate memories.
Despite being so newly formed, the pioneering work of the Institute was recognised at the inaugural
Dementia Awards, organised by the Alzheimers Society.
Professor Maggie Pearson, Dean of our College of Health & Social Care and Pro Vice-Chancellor for
Public Benefit, said, “It’s a huge honour for the Institute to be recognised alongside established initiatives
and bodies such as the Connected Communities Programme.”
"The Salford Institute for Dementia is in the
forefront of the dementia-friendly movement
in the UK" The Times
Institute receives
record donation
The success of the Institute has been accelerated by a £250,000 donation
from the Medlock Charitable Trust, which, in addition to a significant gift
from the Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel Trust, marks one of the biggest
philanthropic investments in the University’s history.
Alumnus David Medlock, the Trust’s founder, said,
I support the Salford Institute for Dementia
“because
I believe they are working with a new
idea in an area which has been neglected but
will impact hugely on individuals and their
families.
”
6 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
To ind out more about the Salford Institute for
Dementia and to make a donation, visit:
www.salford.ac.uk/salford-institute-for-dementia
“The Salford Institute
for Dementia is right
at the heart of the
community and I
want to thank all
those people who
have helped us so far”
Hazel Blears,
MP for Salford and Eccles
Chair of the External Advisory
Board for the Salford Institute
for Dementia
From Salford Salford Institute for Dementia
Living with dementia:
Joy and Tony’s story
J
oy Watson was
diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease on
her 55th birthday and has
since worked tirelessly
to improve the lives of
other people living with
dementia in her local community
of Eccles.
She and her husband, Tony, spoke
to Development Officer Ellen
Robotham about their experience
and explained why they decided to
become members of the External
Advisory Board to the Salford
Institute for Dementia.
Ellen Robotham: So, Joy and Tony,
please can you tell me
your personal story of living
with dementia?
Tony Watson: At the beginning, we
were obviously both devastated to
receive the diagnosis, although we
had both suspected it for some time.
But after a couple of months of
trying to work things out, Joy said,
“Ok, we’ve got this; we’ve got to
live with it, so let’s see whether we
can do something to make
life better”.
Joy Watson: Yes, it’s been very
up and down, having to adjust
both physically and emotionally.
But we’ve decided to look at the
positive aspects and concentrate on
those. The support we’ve had from
different agencies has been fantastic
and we’ve both said that if you’re
going to have dementia then have it
in Salford!
ER: Why did you get involved in the
University’s work in dementia?
TW: The reason that we are involved
is that people at the University want
to speak to people who live with
dementia rather than study it from
a book or case notes. They want us
to be a part of the Institute because
Joy has Alzheimer’s, so we both live
with dementia and we can both
help with the first-hand knowledge
that we have.
ER: In what ways do you hope the
work of the University will help other
people living with dementia?
TW: With the research that’s going
on and the University teaching
more people about dementia, the
first thing it’s going to do is help to
remove the stigma and make more
people aware. Awareness-raising is
vital, because if we can teach more
people to understand how people
with dementia live and how we can
improve their lives, then that will be
tremendous.
JW: I think it’s really exciting that
the University has taken this on
board, for us personally but also
for the area and even the nation.
There are so many issues that can be
addressed and I think the University
is in a brilliant position to bring
about change which has got to be
good for everyone.
Tony Watson
ER: What would you like to say to
those that have supported the work
of the Institute financially?
TW: I would like to say a massive
thank you to everyone who has
donated because the donations, no
matter how small, make a massive
difference. Just think of the change
that you have made to someone
else’s life - to help someone to live
better and to live their life to the full.
JW: I think too that it’s not just
thinking of the here and now, but
it’s almost like a legacy – what
the University does in this area of
research, it’s going to be for our
children, for the future generation.
So we do say thank you, not just for
ourselves but for our grandchildren.
Joy Watson
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Headlines:
Key news and events
The University continues to develop at a rapid pace and below are just some of
the recent news highlights from across campus.
For a full archive please visit: www.salford.ac.uk/news
25 August 2012
23 March 2012
A royal engagement:
HRH Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh
opens our
MediaCityUK campus.
30 March 2012
Avid newsroom
launches at
MediaCityUK.
Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Martin
Hall, takes part in
Manchester’s gay
pride parade on behalf
of the University.
Lord Heseltine visits
the University to
speak at The Salford
Lectures.
23 July 2013
The Centre for Sports
Business at Salford
Business School invites
Rick Parry, former
Chief Executive of
Liverpool Football
Club, to deliver its
inaugural lecture,
‘How and why the
Premier League was
formed’.
The University joins
Santander Universities’
global network of over
1,000 partners
- Santander
provides funding
and international
placement
opportunities for
our students and
employees, with
an initial value of
£50,000-a-year for
three years.
16 May 2013
The Salford Business
School Ball is held
to mark the 25th
anniversary of
excellence in business
and management
education.
29 September
2012
Salford Business
School receives
Educational Planning
and Assessment
System (EPAS)
accreditation for its
MSc International
Business.
4 March 2013
3 May 2012
21 March 2013
An evening with Fred
Done: Salfordian
Honorary Graduate
returns to University to
deliver lecture.
8 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
12-16 June 2013
The Create
Salford Festival at
MediaCityUK launches
the new School of
Arts and Media. The
festival replaces the
usual ‘degree show’
format and reflects the
School’s new, wideranging and innovative
portfolio, bringing
together all of the
School’s disciplines in
one event.
9 October 2013
Diggers arrive on
campus as we begin
construction on
our new Gateway
Project and student
residences.
16-19 July 2013
18 May 2013
Nobel Peace Prize
Winner Muhammad
Yunus visits the
University to champion
his concept of social
business as a way
to release deprived
people from the
‘prison’ of welfare.
Graduation
Honorary graduates
include punk poet
John Cooper-Clarke
and HRH Princess
Lolowah Al-Faisal of
Saudi Arabia.
5 September
2013
The refurbished
Clifford Whitworth
Library reopens,
as part of the £1
million investment
in University library
facilities.
11 October 2013
The University
launches the
partnership with
the Chinese Centre
for Contemporary
Art at our Media
City campus by
previewing our first cocommission ‘Haze and
Fog’ by Cao Fei,
a Chinese zombie film.
From Salford Headlines
17 June 2014
We celebrate the
inaugural ‘University
Day’ and formally
recognise the
successes of our staff,
students and alumni.
23 October 2013
15 October 2013
The North West
Consortium, which
includes Salford,
receives £14m in
Arts and Humanities
Research Council
funding to boost
doctoral training for
a new generation of
researchers.
Paralympic swimmer
Charlotte Henshaw
visits the University
to officially re-open
our Prosthetics and
Orthotics Centre,
which has undergone
a £1.3 million
refurbishment.
26 March 2014
19-22 November
2013
The Salford Media
Festival takes place
at our MediaCityUK
campus - the event is
attended by several
leading industry
figures and speakers,
including John
Weinstein, writer of
‘The Simpsons’.
4 November
2013
Helen Marshall joins
the University from
the University of
South Wales in the
role of Deputy ViceChancellor.
11 December
2013
The University
launches the Salford
Institute for Dementia,
bringing together key
research from across
a range of academic
disciplines.
19 February
2014
Parasitology experts
from the University
turns TV presenter
Dr Michael Mosley’s
body into a living
laboratory when he is
deliberately infected
with tapeworms
during the making of
‘Infested! Living with
Parasites’, part of BBC
Four's natural history
season.
Salford Journalism
students take part in
Global News Relay
event, working
collaboratively with
institutions from
across the globe on a
continuous broadcast
lasting 12 hours.
15-18 July 2014
1 May 2014
Rt Hon Baroness
Beverley Hughes of
Stretford is announced
as the newly
appointed Chair of
Council.
Graduation
The sun shines as
5,000 students
graduate during a
week-long celebration
at The Lowry, Salford
Quays. Gary Neville is
awarded an Honorary
degree.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 9
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
News and updates
Health & Social Care
Student nurses star in primetime
ITV documentary series
Everyone at the University was glued to their TVs from February to April
of this year, as our nursing students did us proud on the primetime ITV1
programme ‘Student Nurses: Bedpans and Bandages’.
or eight weeks the
programme followed the
busy lives of students from
Salford, exploring their
motivations and inspirations
as they juggled academic study with
hands-on patient care.
F
The stars of the show were rocker Graham,
who plays the drums in his spare time,
former carpet fitter Alistair, who is interested
in a surgical career, children’s nurses Helen
and Joanne, squeamish Kelly, who overcame
her phobias, mental health nurse Kelsie, and
third-year students Abu and Danielle.
The programme was a hit with audiences,
clocking regular viewing figures of three
million, with one episode reaching a peak of
almost five million.
Student nurses on the job
10 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
The Salford cast of 'Student Nurses: Bedpans and
Bandages'
From Salford Health & Social Care
Salford Stories
Gary Keedy
BSc Physiotherapy,
2013
Former Lancashire
County Cricket Club
player Gary Keedy has
made the move to
Nottinghamshire to take
on three roles as player,
spin bowling coach
and assistant physiotherapist. Gary played 18
seasons at LCCC and still found time to train
as a physiotherapist. We wish Gary the best
of luck!
David
Buchanan
BSc Prosthetics and
Orthotics, 1999
Suzanne and Kirsty Jankowski
Mum’s the word at graduation
A mother and daughter graduated together at this year’s
graduation ceremonies on 15 July.
Suzanne and Kirsty Jankowski were both at the
event at The Lowry to receive their social work
qualifications, much to the surprise of Kirsty.
Her mum Suzanne had been unable to attend
her own graduation in post-qualifying social
work studies three years earlier, so she asked the
University if they could graduate together.
Kirsty arrived at the ceremony to receive her MA in
Social Work and was elated that Suzanne was also
graduating. She said: “I was surprised at seeing
my mum in a cap and gown and was delighted to
celebrate our special day together.”
Suzanne added: “I was thrilled that my request
to graduate with Kirsty was granted. What a
fantastic day it turned out to be, and when we
were mentioned in the Chancellor's speech it was
the icing on the cake.
Both women chose a career in social work but
their interests lie at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Kirsty specialises in children and families and has
previously worked for a drug and alcohol charity
which supports young people.
Suzanne works at Salford Royal Hospital and
specialises in advance care plans for people in the
last year of their life. She teaches end of life care
at the University of Salford and mentors students
on social work placements.
Steve Pugh, Director of Social Work, said:
“Suzanne has been a friend of social work at
Salford for many years and an inspiration to our
students, so it was an absolute pleasure to help
her surprise her daughter, who will be also make
an inspiring social worker.
After being diagnosed
with bowel cancer at
the age of 23, David,
who originally worked
for the Ministry of
Defence in Wales and
volunteered for mountain rescue, took a
drastic career change and trained in Prosthetics
and Orthotics at Salford. He now competes in
extreme mountain bike challenges, recently
setting a word record by cycling 571km
between Cardiff and Caernarfon in 48 hours.
Mark Airey
BSc Sports
Rehabilitation, 2000
Mark is the Strength
and Conditioning
Co-ordinator at
Phoenix house, a
recovery centre run
by Help the Heroes
for injured servicemen
in Yorkshire. He also runs Team True Spirit, a
group of recovering injured servicemen who
take part in high-profile sporting events, such
as the Ironman UK triathlon.
Congratulations to Suzanne and Kirsty!
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 11
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Salford around the world
Not only are Salford alumni based in more than 160 countries around the world, but the
University also has a growing reputation for delivering training and research across the globe.
His Highness Sheikh Nahyan launches Salford plans for
growth in the UAE
T
his May, at a special event held in Abu Dhabi, we
announced a strategy to boost our presence in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE).
HH Sheikh Nahyan, Deputy British Ambassador Paul Fox and Prof Martin Hall mark
the launch.
Attending the event were His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and
Community Development, and over 100 senior business representatives and
government officials from the UK and UAE. They listened as Vice-Chancellor
Professor Martin Hall outlined plans to develop academic and professional
development courses, forge partnerships with public and private-sector
organisations and carry out collaborative research in the region.
Subject to approval by the Abu Dhabi authorities, this programme of exciting
activity will be driven by our new representative office in the city.
For more information, visit:
www.abudhabi.salford.ac.uk
Key partnership with leading Abu Dhabi hospital to tackle
national problem
iabetes is a serious and
growing problem in the UAE,
affecting roughly one in five
residents. Poor circulation
caused by the condition,
means that those with diabetes are prone
to suffer from chronic foot pain. The team
at our School of Health Sciences have
been working with Mafraq Hospital in
Abu Dhabi to enhance the care they offer
patients with diabetic foot problems. We
spoke to Professor Sue Braid, Head of
School, to find out more.
D
From Salford: How did the project
come about?
Professor Braid: After one of our professors
was seconded to Mafraq to lead the
vascular surgery team, the hospital invited
us to undertake a scoping exercise into their
management of diabetic foot problems.
FS: What have we done for Mafraq so far?
12 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
PB: The hospital commissioned a forensicscoping exercise and an evidence-based
report to enhance their diabetic foot, vascular
and ultrasound services. The report provides
detailed recommendations for further training
of hospital staff and highlights potential areas
for collaborative research between our two
organisations. We have also developed a groundbreaking Masters-level module on ‘Care of the
Diabetic Foot’.
FS: Why is this work important?
PB: Our work with Mafraq Hospital is driven by
the high rates of diabetes in Abu Dhabi, which is
something we see across the Middle-East. This is
partly the result of genetic factors and partly down
to diet and lifestyle. It has moved diabetes care to
the top of the political agenda in the region.
The major aim of the project is to ensure
consistency when it comes to how Mafraq
manages diabetic foot problems and, specifically,
to reduce amputation rates. This has traditionally
been the way that healthcare providers in the
UAE have treated the condition.
FS: What is the next stage of the project?
PB: We will keep providing Continuing
Professional Development and accredited
training to the staff at Mafraq. Plus, we are
in the early stages of discussions surrounding
using the hospital’s radiography department
as an international hub for the delivery of a
Masters programme in ultrasound. We are
also exploring the possibility of conducting
collaborative research with the hospital into
diabetic foot problems.
FS: What impact has this activity had?
PB: Our work has most definitely started to
change practice at the hospital. We are seeing
the introduction of a multi-disciplinary team
approach and consistency of assessment for
patients with diabetic foot problems. We are
confident that this will reduce foot-amputation
rates at the hospital.
From Salford International news
Supporting our overseas
alumni: China
With China set to overtake the USA as the world’s largest
economy as early as this year, there will be more and more
career opportunities in the country for Salford alumni.
Providing the support they need is our in-country Alumni
and Communications Oicer, Kayla Chen.
“My name is Kayla Chen and part of my role is
to update our China-based alumni with the latest
news from Salford.
"I produce regular email newsletters, which
I hope you’ve received, and share news and
developments on the social media sites Weibo and
Wechat.
"There are currently active alumni associations
in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. We plan
to establish alumni associations in Qingdao,
Chengdu and Guangzhou this year.
"Our Chinese alumni are a vital part of our wider
alumni community, and it is important to us to
provide a networking platform for them.
I organise regular national and regional alumni
events, and I hope to see you at one soon.
"Your alumni network in China is growing with
1,697 Salford grads currently based here. Our first
Chinese alumnus can be traced back to 1970.
"For more information about the alumni
associations and the events we have planned,
please contact me. I look forward to hearing
from you.”
Kayla Chen, Alumni and Communications
Officer, China
“Our Chinese alumni are
a vital part of our wider
alumni community, and it is
important to us to provide
a networking platform
for them.”
e: k.chen@salforduniversity.cn
t: +86 (0)10 6590 6805
www.salforduniversity.cn
5
Top tips for doing
business in China
Kayla’s Top 5 tips for doing business in China
Face
In China it is critical that you give face, save face
and show face when doing business. ‘Face’, in
Chinese culture, is roughly translated as 'good
reputation', 'respect' or 'honour.' Do not publicly
undermine, insult or reject someone as they will
lose face. Complimenting and respecting others
will give them face. Listen to the more mature
and experienced as their wisdom is widely
respected.
keen on too much physical contact so avoid a
hand on the shoulder on a pat on the back.
Relationships
There is a famous Chinese saying: make friends
before doing business. It may take decades to
build a strong and reliable business network in
China. Never be too informal and avoid using
humour as it may be lost in translation.
Meeting & greeting
Gift-giving
Meetings begin with the shaking of hands and
a slight nod of the head. Chinese people are not
Giving and accepting gifts is the norm in China.
When offered a gift you should refuse it three
times before accepting. Do not open the gift
there and then but put it to one side and open
it later. Business gifts are always reciprocated so
make sure you have one ready when visiting a
contact.
Drinking culture
The Chinese like to discuss business during
banquets. It is very common in China to close
a deal in the middle of drinking. Even if you do
not like liquor you have to drink as much as you
can when invited by your guests or your host.
In Chinese perception, the more you drink, the
more reliable you are and the more quickly you
are able to close a deal.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 13
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
News and updates
Arts & Social Sciences
'The Simpsons’ writer talks up creative
potential of Greater Manchester
During an ‘in conversation’ session with Manchester music legend Clint
Boon at the Salford Media Festival in November last year, Josh Weinstein,
a former writer and executive producer for 'The Simpsons’, told delegates
that Manchester has all the infrastructure and talent to claim its place as
the new centre for animation and scriptwriting excellence.
J
osh suggested that anyone looking to
develop their career in the sector should
stay in Manchester where their creativity
will be encouraged, rather than look to
LA, where it could be stifled.
“Since my college years, when I became a
huge fan of Manchester bands such as The Smiths,
Joy Division, the Inspiral Carpets, the Stone Roses and
James, I’ve known that Manchester is an incredibly
creative and inspirational place,” he said.
“It was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and
now I see it as being at the heart of a new revolution
in the media industries, particularly animation.
Manchester has such a proud history in animation,
with such companies as Cosgrove Hall.”
"I’ve known that
Manchester is an
incredibly creative
and inspirational
place."
14 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
Below: Josh Weinstein at
the Salford Media Festival
in November 2013.
From Salford Arts & Social Sciences
Think inside the BOX Salford Stories
O
n Friday 13 June, Manchester-based designer and
maker, Liam Hopkins, brought ‘You get out what you
put in’ to the University of Salford’s Create Salford
2014, a three-day public arts and media festival held at
MediaCityUK.
‘You get out what you put in’ was an exclusive commission from Liam
Hopkins, inspired by some of the University’s high-profile arts & media
alumni, including Robert Powell, Jim Sturgess, Robin Richards from the
Dutch Uncles and festival host Jo Good (Xfm, BBC 6Music).
The hand-crafted, interactive artworks, were the focal point of Create
Salford, taking centre stage in the Create Cube: a 5m x 5m Perspex
stage built at MediaCityUK Piazza, which featured ever-changing creative
performances and exhibitions throughout the festival.
have some incredibly inspirational
“We
alumni and we’re delighted that they
could collaborate with Liam to produce
this artwork
Sarie Mairs-Slee Festival Director
“
Liam Hopkins: "I was keen to make the pieces interactive and tactile, in
order to bring the alumni’s advice and inspiration to life and to ensure the
students and other visitors to the festival truly interact with them."
Create Salford 2014 festival director, Sarie Mairs-Slee: “We have some
incredibly inspirational alumni and we’re delighted that they could
collaborate with Liam to produce this artwork."
Create Salford is a collaborative event, featuring today’s and tomorrow’s
best music, comedy, theatre, dance, fashion, poetry and journalism,
devised by high-profile creatives and the University’s final year School of
Arts & Media students.
Kristyna Myles, BA Popular Music and
Recording, 2005
Soul singer Kristyna released her debut album
‘Pinch Me Quick’ in March 2014. The album was
recorded with Grammy-Award-winning producer
Ken Nelson and has received rave reviews from
critics, who have named her “a must-see talent”.
Kristyna is currently on a nationwide tour. Check
her website for details: www.kristynamyles.com
Ria Meera Munshi, BA Performing Arts, 2010
Ria has not wasted any time since her graduation
four years ago. She has set up her own dance
school, ‘Ri Ri’s Dance Academy’, helped break the
Guinness World Record for the largest Bollywood
dance, won the ‘E3 Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Award’ and has danced on national TV.
Stephen Mann, BA Politics, 2012
Stephen was recently voted into Council in his
home ward of Ashburton, Croydon. This is the
first time Labour has won the seat in the 131-year
history of Croydon. Stephen is one of Labour’s
youngest councillors at 22-years-old. He said: “The
UK average age for a councillor is now 60 and this
is not right. Croydon is radically changing and the
views of the people who will be the town’s longterm future need to also be heard”.
Tom Haines, MA Compositional Studies, 2003
Tom has won both the ‘International Composition
Award’ and the ‘Audience Award’ at the Brussels
Jazz Orchestra International Composition Contest.
His winning entry ‘Whistleblower’ took ten months
to compose and was chosen from 78 entries by an
international panel of judges. He is now working as
a lecturer at Stratford-upon-Avon College.
Robin Richards from
the Dutch Uncles
Kate Hinchliffe and Joanne Miller, BA Fashion
Design, 2013
Artist Liam Hopkins
Kate and Joanne won an international competition
to have their designs sold in Urban Outfitters
stores, launching their careers on an international
stage. The competition, ‘Make It,’ challenged
fashion students from across the globe to design
the perfect party outfit for the Winter Holiday 2013
collection. Kate and Joanne were
two of five winners and were
presented with their awards at
a high-profile fashion event in
New York.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 15
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
THE
CHANGING
FACE OF
CAMPUS
The dramatic makeover
of our Peel Park campus is
now in full swing.
As well as the creation
of brand new buildings,
and the refurbishment of
existing facilities, work is
well underway on an £18m
1,367 bedroom student
accommodation complex.
16 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
STOP 1
Take a
whistle-stop
tour of the sites
undergoing
transformation.
STOP 3
From Salford Transforming the campus
Chapman Square
The Gateway Project
Have you have visited the University
recently? Then you may have noticed
the construction work taking place in the
area between the Chapman and Newton
Buildings that was formerly occupied by
the Ashworth Building.
Once completed, this development will be
christened Chapman Square: a large, green
space at the heart of the Peel Park campus,
where students and staff can take breaks and
socialise between study and work. We also
plan to hold regular public performances in the
square (weather permitting!) to make the space
available to the local community.
When it opens in early 2016, the £55m
building developed under the Gateway
Project will provide a striking entrance to
the Peel Park campus from Salford Crescent
railway station.
The new building will be home to the School
of Arts & Media and there will also be space
for students from other disciplines. Facilities will
include a theatre, recording and photography
studios, café areas, performance and rehearsal
spaces, computer suites and lecture theatres.
The building will be decorated with speciallycommissioned artworks.
STOP 2
The Chapman Building
Last year, we refurbished and extended
Chapman Building at a cost of £9m,
modernising the building, inside and out.
Chapman now houses six spacious lecture
theatres, breakout and social spaces, and a
Fairtrade cafe. However, we were careful to
keep one of the building’s most recognisable
features intact: Walter Kershaw’s ‘Antoinette’
tile mural on the building stairway.
STOP 4
Chapman Square will be the first of several
attractive outdoor spaces to pop-up around
campus. It’s a prime location that's home to the
Chapman Building, the Lady Hale Building, the
Newton Building, and the Clifford Whitworth
Library – which underwent a £1million upgrade
of its own last summer.
The new £81m student
accommodation complex
With a completion date of September 2015,
our new student accommodation complex
is now taking shape.
The main complex will be located next to
the existing Horlock and Constantine Court
accommodation sites and opposite University
House, with an additional complex to take over
the site formerly occupied by the northern car
park. These new developments will provide
1,367 extra student bedrooms, as well as a
cinema, gym, TV and games rooms, group
study space, onsite shops, restaurants and
cafes. The Salford Village Limited consortium is
developing the complex, which will be run by
Campus Living Villages when it opens.
For the full picture, download a PDF of the
University of Salford Campus Plan:
www.salford.ac.uk/campusplan
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 17
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
News and updates
Science & Technology
Trevor Cox
I
Salford professor
breaks record for
world’s longest echo
n January of this year, Professor of
Acoustic Engineering, Trevor Cox, broke
the world record for the longest echo.
The previous record, set in 1970, stood at 15
seconds – the time it took for the sound to die
away after the solid-bronze doors of the Hamilton
Mausoleum in Scotland were slammed shut.
18 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
But, in researching his new book ‘Sonic
Wonderland: A Scientific Odyssey of Sound’,
Professor Cox discovered an oil-storage complex
at Inchindown, near Invergordon in Scotland,
where the sound echoes for a full minute longer.
Professor Cox said, “Never before had I heard
such a rush of echoes and reverberation. I was
like a toddler sitting at a piano for the first time,
thrashing the ivories to see what sounds would
come out.
“Reluctantly, after a few minutes I stopped playing
with the acoustics and started preparing for my
measurements. My initial reaction was disbelief –
the reverberation times were just too long.”
From Salford Science & Technology
Salford academic helps University joins
discover cancer gene
partnership to
regenerate Pendleton
Towards the end of last year, there was a major
breakthrough that will help scientists develop a
less invasive test for chronic blood cancers.
This followed research led by the University of
Cambridge and the Wellcome Trust Sanger
Institute in identifying CALR, the gene which
causes this group of cancers. By sequencing the
DNA of patients, the researchers found that CALR
was mutated, resulting in chronic blood cancers,
high platelet counts and low haemoglobin levels.
Dr Aziz, Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the
University of Salford, contributed to the study by
designing the specific probes to test the quantity
of abnormal CALR and localisation of abnormal
protein.
Dr Aziz said: “Diagnosis of blood cancer
commonly require highly-invasive and painful
procedures like bone marrow biopsy that also
involve multiple tests. This discovery will not only
lead to new genetic testing for diagnosis but will
also shed light on the genetic mechanism that
leads to chronic blood cancers.”
Salford Stories
Bob Hope,
BSc Construction
Management,
1992
Bob is the Chief
Executive Officer of
SSH, a Kuwaitbased construction
company. During
a talk that he gave recently to business and
construction students studying at Salford, he said:
“To come to Salford as a boy from Radcliffe; it
was an opportunity immediately to see the great
diversity of the world without leaving the local
area. I think that background, the diversity and
the degree spurred me on to London and then
encouraged me to go and work in the Middle East
and see more of the world and meet more and
Regeneration plans for
Pendleton
Launched in the summer of last year, Pendleton
Together is an ambitious £650-million
regeneration project that will completely transform
the Pendleton area of Salford. Work on the first
phase of project, which involves building more
than 1,600 new homes and refurbishing 1,250
existing homes, began in early 2014.
The project is being delivered by the Pendleton
Together consortium. The consortium includes
the University in partnership with the housing
organisation Together Housing Group, the building
and regeneration specialists Keepmoat and Salford
City Council.
more people. That exciting career has led to the
opportunity now of being Chief Executive of a
major design company, which with our turnover
this year, ought to put us about 65th in the world
of largest consultancy companies… a hell of a
journey”.
Bob now offers placements at his company that
enable Salford students to experience work-based
learning.
Dr Byrana Nagappa Suresh,
PhD Control Systems, 1978
Byrana was awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ in
2013. This is the third-highest civilian award in the
Republic of India and was given in recognition of
his contribution to aerospace. Byrana served as
Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre from
2003-2007 and was founding Director of Indian
Institute of Space Science and Technology. He
retired in 2010 and now serves as distinguished
Professor at ISRO and Indian Institute of
Technology and MIT, Manipal.
UN appointment for
Salford professor
Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga of our School of
the Built Environment has been re-appointed to
the United Nations office for Disaster Reduction's
(UNISDR) steering committee for the ‘Making
Cities Resilient’ campaign.
The committee is comprised of 15 global experts,
representing governments, parliamentarians,
international organisations, NGOs, scientific
or academic institutions and private sector
representatives.
The commitee's responsibilities under the ‘Making
Cities Resilient’ campaign include leading work
areas, setting priorities, monitoring progress and
proposing remedial measures. They identify gaps
and initiate strategic partnerships to fill them, set
up working groups and engage in global dialogue
relating to sustainable developments.
The Centre for Disaster Resilience has been a key
partner of the ‘Making Cities Resilient’ initiative
since the body's inception in 2010. It helps to
shape and influence policy by contributing to
the challenges that fall within local governance,
disaster resilience and urban risk.
Yahya
Ibraheem,
MSc Digital Architectural
Design, 2013
With roughly 600
Syrian refugees crossing
into Jordan every
day, local architects
are designing various
housing solutions for the
devastating influx to accommodate the diaspora..
Yahya has designed and set up 'shapeshifting'
shelters, which are developed to suit a range
of climate conditions and can be structurally
modified to suit the particular requirements of the
inhabitants.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 19
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Professor Amanda Broderick, Pro ViceChancellor and Dean of Salford Business
School, and Gary Neville celebrate the
signing of a unique partnership between the
University, Salford City FC and the Class of ‘92
at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium.
‘Class of ‘92’
United legends include the University in ambitious plans for Salford City FC
20 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
From Salford Class of ‘92
The Class of ’92 and the
University have agreed a
partnership which will see
students and academics
heavily involved in the
development of Salford
City FC, the Old Traford
Supporters’ Club and Hotel
Football.
" This partnership
is a central part of
our vision and we’re
really lucky to be able
to make the most
of the enthusiasm
and skills of some
fantastic students
and the incredible
facilities at the
University."
Gary Neville, Class of '92
The five-year partnership will see University
of Salford students help run Salford City FC,
alongside Manchester United legends Paul
Scholes, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Salford
honorary graduates Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
In the first collaborative project, broadcast and
journalism students filmed and reported live on
August’s friendly match between Salford City and
the Class of ’92. All the season’s matches will
be covered by students, who will also report on
major milestones in the club’s transformation.
Sports and health science students will work
with the club’s coaching and physiotherapy team
to develop training programmes and nutrition
plans for the players. The University’s Human
Performance Lab, which houses the very latest
technology used in advanced sports science,
will be used to monitor the players’ fitness
and progress.
Students and colleagues from Salford Business
School’s Centre for Sports Business will work on
digital marketing initiatives, corporate finance
and event management. Their involvement will
help deliver an ‘always on’ digital facility, which
will give fans online access to behind-the-scenes
activities and up-to-the-minute information
about the team’s development.
Also in the pipeline is a documentary to be
produced by broadcast and media production
students which will follow the construction and
launch of Hotel Football. The hotel, which will
house the Old Trafford Supporters’ Club fans’
bar and restaurant, is due to open next to Old
Trafford football ground in November.
Commenting on the partnership, Gary Neville
said: “The Class of ’92 were given a chance
when we were young by Manchester United,
so now we want to give something back and
provide the best opportunities possible for
Salford students and other young people in
the community.
“I’m confident that the involvement of students
and staff will bring a more professional approach
to Salford City. The partnership is a vital part of
our strategy to bring success to the club.”
University Pro Vice-Chancellor and Salford
Business School Dean Professor Amanda
Broderick said: “The internship, placement and
research opportunities for our students through
our exclusive partnership with the Class of ’92
are incredible."
“ Salford has always led
the way in industry
engagement and our
work with Salford
City, Hotel Football,
the Old Traford
Supporters’ Club and
on other projects
further strengthens
our commitment
to our graduates’
career success and
contribution to our
community."
Professor Amanda Broderick,
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Salford
Business School Dean
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 21
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
News and updates
Salford Business School
School receives Small Business
Charter Award at 10 Downing Street
In June, in recognition of the role it has played in helping kick-start British
enterprise, Salford Business School received the Small Business charter
Award. Class of 2003 graduate Steve Lowy, CEO at umi Digital, and
Professor Amanda Broderick went to 10 Downing Street to attend the
special ceremony.
he Small Business
Charter Award
scheme – of which
Salford Business
School is a trailblazer
member – has already helped
4,700 students find work
placements in Britain’s exciting
micro-business and start-up
sector
schemes including Growth
Vouchers, Growth Accelerators
and Start-Up Loans.
To date, Small Business Charter
business schools have helped over
8,000 small businesses through
workshops, mentoring and other
business support. Over 800 new
businesses have been started as
a result of Small Business Charter
schools.
“Building on our national
recognition as the top university in
the north west and fifth in the UK
for industry engagement, we are
one of the first universities to be
awarded the Small Business Charter
to recognise the best practice of our
engagement and support of the
small business community.
T
Salford Business School received
the award by demonstrating
exceptional dedication to
supporting and improving links with
the small business community in the
local area.
The award means that Salford
Business School can now
invest directly in start-ups and
entrepreneurs, via government
Professor Broderick said: “I’m
delighted that we’ve been
recognised by the Department of
Business, Innovation and Skills and
the Association of Business Schools
as an innovator in SME engagement
and support.
“We feel that Salford is the
university for entrepreneurs and
innovators and it is particularly
timely that this recognition
coincides with Salford Business
School’s celebration of 2014 as the
Year of the SME, acknowledging
the creative ingenuity of our small
and medium-sized businesses.”
Read up on the Small Business Charter:
www.smallbusinesscharter.org
22 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
Steve Lowy, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Class
of 2003 and Professor Amanda Broderick take a ‘selie’
outside 10 Downing Street prior to receiving the Small
Business Charter Award
“Salford Business School is committed to meeting the
needs of businesses in the Manchester region, as well
as nationally and internationally."
From Salford Salford Business School
Free Massive Open
Online Course launched
S
alford Business School has teamed up with
leading digital media businesses and UK Trade
& Investment (UKTI) to create a free, online
open access course that will help businesses and
individuals make the best use of web search and
social media marketing.
Designed by Master's level marketing students with input from
Business School academics and industry experts, the series
of educational videos are now available for the ‘Search and
Social Media Marketing for International Business’ course. They
cover topics including online personal branding, Search Engine
Optimisation (SEO), blogging and social media.
The project is a pilot Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
MOOCs are a new way of offering teaching and learning to people
who are interested in flexible, internet-based study which they can
fit around their work or home life.
There are 12 videos in all. They have been developed following
research undertaken as part of the Passport to Trade 2.0
international business culture project which examined social media
use across 31 European countries.
Find out more about the course:
www.bit.ly/1eXYqZE
Recognition of our
success
The Salford Business School and our community are proud
to have been recognised for our exceptional achievements
over the last year with the following prestigious awards.
Salford Stories
Talal Al Aufy
Business & Management Studies, 1997,
MSc Marketing, 1999
CEO at Oman Trading International
Talal established Oman Trading International
in 2006; now trading in excess of 15million
tonnes of physical refined crude oil, products
and petrochemical annually from its global
offices around the world. Talal credits Salford
Business School by saying it ‘helped me gain
international exposure and independence of
thought to build and strengthen my career’.
Adriana Cioarec
Tourism Management, Class of 2013
Graduate Management Trainee, Hilton
Worldwide
Upon her graduation last year, Adriana
successfully secured a highly competitive
graduate trainee scheme at one of the world’s
most recognisable hospitality brands, Hilton
Worldwide. Having spent the first six months of
her role in London, Adriana is now expanding
her expertise in one of the group's hotels in
Scotland. Adriana says that this is her "dream
graduate job" and that Salford made her realise
that "you only get out what you put in."
Mark Rix
MBA, Class of 2002
CEO, Catchpole Communications
Former Chief Executive of MEN Media Led,
Mark has taken his thriving media career
overseas and is now running ‘7DAYS’, the
leading English language newspaper in the
UAE.
Rob Carnell
Economics, 1992
Chief Economist, ING Commercial Banking
A member of Salford Business School’s recently
formed advisory board. Rob continues to
engage with Salford Business
School and recently returned
to deliver a seminar to MBA
students and alumni.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 23
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Alumni giving back
his year we’ve raised over £1m for
the University and a vital part of
this is the contribution from our
alumni. Each year the donations
made by graduates, friends and
staff of the University have a
direct impact on priority projects across campus,
enabling us to offer a world-class student
experience and support life-changing initiatives.
T
Alongside our unrestricted Campus Initiatives
fund, the money raised by the campaign will be
put towards:
❚ The Salford Institute for Dementia
❚ Raising Aspirations (SEED initiative)
❚ Scholarships and Student Support.
The regular giving student calling team run two
calling campaigns per year, in winter and spring.
If you have already had a call from one of our
students, we hope you enjoyed talking to us. We
start our next calling campaign in October, and
look forward to engaging with more alumni.
Contact us to ind out more about giving to
the University or to make a donation
t: +44 (0)161 295 3432
e: supporters@salford.ac.uk
www.salford.ac.uk/donate
GETTING TO KNOW
THE STUDENT
CALLERS: NATASHA
HADGRAFT, STUDENT
CALL SUPERVISOR
“I was attracted to Salford for plenty of
reasons. On the Open Day, the professors really
went out of their way to speak to me and all
the other prospective students individually and
to answer all our questions. The campus was
lovely and green and had a friendly vibe, which
I thought would make it a great place to live
and study. And I was impressed that my chosen
course, Biomedical Science, was officially
accredited and highly regarded by the leading
institutes in the field.
"Since coming to the University I have loved
every moment. I have been lucky enough to
study in the fantastic new lecture theatres at
Chapman and to access all the online and
offline study materials I need in the library,
where my course mates and I have also made
regular use of the group work areas. Most
excitingly of all, I will be carrying out a research
project into dementia next year, my final year at
the University.
"I joined the student calling team two years
ago as a caller and have since become a
supervisor. This has given me the opportunity
to learn more about the projects running
outside my course area, including the SEED
outreach programme and the work of the
Salford Dementia Institute. Plus I’ve spoken to
brilliant alumni from a range of fields. Their
achievements have motivated me in my studies.
"Donations from alumni have improved my
experience at University, as well as that of
many of my friends and course mates. They
have allowed talented students, who would
otherwise not have been able to afford it,
to take a degree with the aid of various
scholarships. They have also created a great
learning environment for students. I wanted to
be a part of the student calling team to help
the University continue to improve and to allow
many future students to benefit as I have.”
Natasha Hadcraft, Student Caller Supervisor
24 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
From Salford Opening doors
Opening doors
O
ur Salford Advantage Bursaries open doors to first-infamily students, care leavers and other groups who are
traditionally under-represented in higher education.
The generosity of our donors in providing the platform
upon which these gifted scholars can fulfil their potential
is hugely appreciated by everyone at the University.
Bursary recipient Josie Fletcher talks to alumni donors about the
enormous diference the bursary has made to her.
“I am studying for a BSc in Accounting and Finance. I chose to come to
Salford because of its outstanding education opportunities, networks and
influence in the field of business and finance. I have just completed my first
year and cannot wait to get back for my second.
By awarding me the Salford Advantage Bursary, you have lightened my
financial burden and allowed me to focus on the most important aspect of
life at University: learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others
and give back to the community. As a foster child, I want to prove to other
children from similar backgrounds that a university education is possible.
I was in foster care from the age of nine and was brought up in a very stable
and supportive foster family. Since starting University I have lived on my own.
My foster mum wanted me to stay at home, but I wanted to find my feet
and prove my independence.
Thank you for helping me to realise my dreams. Your kindness and generosity
has given me the opportunity to embrace my education at Salford.”
A helping hand for the
next generation
Our alumni mentoring scheme passes on the
wisdom and experience of Salford graduates
to current students. Meet Graham Dibble, one
of this year’s mentors, and ind out how you
can play your part.
T
his year, as part of the Salford Advantage Industry
Insight Scheme, 13 members of our alumni community
volunteered their time and experience to mentor current
University students.
The mentoring scheme ran from March to May and saw
15 students benefit from the support of our alumni and other industry
professionals,
in fields as varied as business, forensics
and journalism.
Alumnus Graham Dibble took part in the scheme and was paired up with
Kenneth Abara, who is currently studying for an MSc in Petroleum and Gas
Engineering. They met up for several mentorship sessions over the
Josie Fletcher, Salford Advantage Bursary recipient
We need your help
Your donations can support even more students like Josie, or help
the SEED programme to break down barriers to higher education
for many more local children.
To make a contribution please visit:
www.salford.ac.uk/donate
three-month period and
communicated regularly by email.
Graham, who studied Chemical
Engineering and graduated in 1972,
said, “We all forget that we have
learnt many lessons over our careers
that can help others. The highlight
of the scheme was the satisfaction
of seeing the impact that relativelysimple practical advice can have on
someone entering the job market.”
Kenneth Abara and his mentor
Graham Dibble
Although the mentorship period has officially ended, Graham and Kenneth
have decided to continue their relationship in the future.
Graham recommends the scheme to all alumni, “For a small commitment
of your time, your experience can facilitate a new graduate getting that very
difficult first step onto a career path.”
We are extremely thankful to Graham and all the alumni mentors for the
valuable guidance they have given the next generation of alumni.
Pass on your wisdom
The success of this year’s activity means that we are planning to expand the
scheme for 2014/15 and we will soon be recruiting mentors.
If you think that current students could
beneit from your experience, please email our
Alumni Engagement Oicer Paul Butlin on:
e: p.butlin@salford.ac.uk
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 25
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
The power of social business
It’s been a year since the Bangladeshi
social entrepreneur, banker, economist,
civil-society leader and Nobel Peace Prize
winner, Professor Muhammad Yunus spoke
at our ‘Building Social Business Summit’.
However, no one who was in the audience
that day will forget his inspirational talk on
how social business models can be used to
tackle global poverty.
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Professor Muhammad Yunus
D
uring his talk, Professor Yunus posed the following
challenge: “What would the world look like if one
per cent of the global economy was focused on social
business?”
Taking up his challenge, the University has launched a new
Centre for Social Business. Headed by Dr Morven McEachern, the centre
promotes research and consultancy activity in micro-finance, community
issues and corporate social responsibility. It will also contribute to social
business activity in the City of Salford, drawing upon the knowledge and
research expertise of our academic staff to provide social business academic
qualifications and executive training.
The University’s goal is to build the centre into an international social business
hub, where researchers can help business practitioners, academics and
new-generation researchers to create “self-supporting, viable commercial
enterprises that generate economic growth."
The Social Enterprise Mark
The centre got to work straightaway, by developing an MSc in Social
Business and Sustainable Marketing (available to Salford alumni with a 25%
discount on tuition fees) and leading the University’s successful application
for the Social Enterprise Mark. Salford is the first university in the north of
England, and only the second in the UK, to achieve this distinction, which
is independent recognition that we put our “profits towards social or
environmental good."
The ‘Yunus Social Business Awards’
In November of last year, the University named the winners of our inaugural
‘Yunus Social Business Awards’ at a special ceremony on our MediaCityUK
campus. The awards celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs and
students, who have contributed to the local community by harnessing “the
energy of profit-making to the objective of fulfilling human needs."
The winners in the three award categories were:
❚ Existing Social Business: Local entrepreneur Mike Green for founding
26 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
the Ancoats-based business Standfirm, which provides skills training,
work placements and job opportunities to local people who face
significant barriers to employment.
❚ Rising Star: Recent postgraduate alumnus James Goddard for his AIM
Boxing Academy concept. The academy aims to address obesity and poor
levels of fitness among young people.
❚ Salford Student Award: Undergraduate Grant Dolan, for his work in
developing REAL Vending, a food-vending social business whose profits
support access scholarships in Salford.
As part of their prize, James and Grant will travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh,
where they will meet Professor Yunus and get his advice on how to review
and develop their business plans. They will then spend two weeks visiting
social businesses that are supported by the Grameen Foundation, a charitable
body that “helps the world’s poorest people reach their full potential,
connecting their determination and skills with the resources
they need."
James and Grant will pass on what they learn to current Salford students
through a programme of workshops scheduled for the next academic year.
Our social and community mission
Reflecting on Professor Yunus’ visit to the University, our Executive Director of
University Advancement Colin McCallum said:
“[It] was an incredible 48 hours for the University of Salford. Building on our
existing strong social and community mission, social business and all that it
represents gives us a wonderful mechanism to live our values. It is part of a
growing global movement that is seeking sustainable solutions to the needs
of society. The University is set to contribute even more to this agenda. Now
the work really begins and this university is determined to be a part of a
movement that will make the world a better place.”
Find out more about the work of the Centre for Social Business:
www.salford.ac.uk/business-school/research/centre-for-social-business
From Salford Social business
Honorary Graduates 2014
This year’s list of Honorary Graduates
includes footballing legend Gary
Neville and the lead developer of
the iPod and iPhone, alumnus David
Tupman. We are proud to recognise
all of our Honoraries and the impact
their contributions have made in a
wide range of areas, including the
NHS, sustainability, construction,
and business.
Gary Neville,
Doctor of Science,
honoris causa
In recognition of
his dedication to
promoting the
importance of
sustainability to the
mainstream and
sports industry.
David Tupman, Doctor of
Science, honoris causa
Professor Michael
Goldsmith, Doctor of the
University, honoris causa
In recognition of his
outstanding contribution to
the shaping of the digitalmusic and smartphone
industries.
In recognition of his life-long
contribution to education
and his services to the
University.of Salford
Professor David CroisdaleAppleby, Doctor of Letters,
honoris causa
Sir David Dalton, Doctor
of Science, honoris causa
In recognition of his
remarkable commitment to
the improvement of the NHS
community.
In recognition of his
outstanding achievements
across the public, private and
voluntary sectors.
Ged Mason, Doctor of
Business Administration,
honoris causa
Professor Chitra Weddikara,
Doctor of Science, honoris
causa
In recognition of his services
to the business sector and
local area.
In recognition of her
outstanding contribution to
educating young people in the
quantity-surveying profession
and construction industry.
Santander Universities
I
n July 2013, we announced our
partnership with Santander
Universities, a programme launched
by the Santander bank and building
society in the UK back in 2007.
Santander Universities began its activity in Spain in
1997 to support higher education. At present, the
network includes over 1,000 institutions drawn from
seventeen countries, while Santander Universities
has donated over £500m towards helping today’s
students become tomorrow’s leaders.
Partnership activity
to date
The partnership provided grants to support local
SMEs and social-business ideas generated by
students and staff.
And we’ve used funding to open two exciting
facilities: The Landing at the heart of MediaCityUK,
where SMEs and micro-businesses can work
alongside large media and technology organisations
such as the BBC and ITV; and Spark Studio, an
innovative live-work space and hot-desking facility,
based in Broughton.
space at Spark Studios.
Thanks to the generosity of Santander, countless
other Salfordians will be in a position to benefit as
Adil has done in the future.
To read more about the opportunities provided
by Santander Universities, visit:
www.santander.co.uk/uk/santander-universities
Making a diference:
Adil Khan’s story
This year, nearly 30 Salford students benefited
from Santander scholarships and awards.
Adil Khan, a Salford graduate in BSc Business
Technology, is one beneficiary of our partnership
with Santander Universities.
Our staff received funding towards establishing
partnerships with other universities in the Santander
Universities network. Students from these
universities have since come to Salford to study.
He received the funding he needed to set up
Techtyle, a web-design company that offers search
engine optimisation, social media marketing and
ecommerce services, and operates out of the Origin
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 27
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Perspectives
Research and Enterprise at the University of Salford
The University’s research and enterprise activity has a huge impact on the local, national and
international communities we serve. This Perspectives supplement brings together some of the most
signiicant work our leading researchers have undertaken recently.
The future of television
evealing how a new
broadcast system that is
being developed with the
help of researchers from
our School of Computing,
Science & Technology will place the
TV viewer in the director’s chair.
R
Today, with the introduction of online streaming,
smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices,
we can watch our favourite programmes
instantly, from almost anywhere. There’s no
reason to miss an episode of ‘Coronation Street’
again!
You might think that this is the pinnacle in the
field of broadcasting. But not according to a
team of researchers at Salford.
The FascinatE Project – an £8-million EU-funded
study exploring the next generation of interactive
broadcast and media technology – has given us a
glimpse into the future of live television, in which
The live dance performance helps demonstrate
the latest in broadcast technology
28 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
the viewer becomes the director.
In collaboration with partners from technology
companies, broadcasters, higher-education
institutions and other organisations across
Europe, our researchers have developed a
complete future-broadcast system.
The system brings together ultra-high-definition
panoramic video, 3D audio and other technology
that enables viewers to control the pictures and
sound from their television, PC, tablet or
mobile phone.
The results were unveiled at a special live
broadcast from the Digital Performance Lab at
our MediaCityUK campus.
Guests enjoyed a behind-the-scenes
demonstration, showing how a live performance
can be captured as an interactive broadcast.
Rather than take the role of passive observer,
participants controlled their own virtual camera,
through swipes on tablets or hand gestures in
front of larger displays. They could even zoom in
on the sounds from individual musicians
or singers.
FascinatE team leader, Ben Shirley, from our
School of Computing, Science & Technology,
said: “We captured the performance in an ultrahigh definition, 180-degree panorama using an
‘Omnicam’, which incorporates six camera feeds.
“This was combined with footage from a
broadcast camera and audio from a special
3D microphone and other mics to create an
amazingly interactive experience for viewers.
They could effectively become their own director,
panning around the performance and zooming
in on areas which interested them.”
The demonstration offered a taste of how we will
watch television in years to come.
Perspectives
An international
guide to etiquette
and modern
manners for SMEs
Tiptoeing your way through the maze of business
etiquette is tricky at the best of times. But when you
throw in a foreign language, unfamiliar customs and
overseas trading practices, it becomes fraught with
potential faux pas.
Visitors watch the interactive performance
Ben added: “Focusing in on one part of the
scene also changed the audio. For example,
zooming in on the guitarist brought that
instrument’s sound to the front, with the singer
fading into the background.”
According to Ben, the full FascinatE system
may still be five or ten years away from going
to market, but he suspects that some elements
developed by the project may well be available
sooner than that.
Learn more about the project at:
www.fascinate-project.eu
The future of TV: the ‘Omnicam’
Luckily, Salford Business School is here to help SMEs
who operate, or plan to operate, in continental
Europe. The academics at Salford Business School
have developed ‘Passport to Trade 2.0’ (P2T2), a
free-to-access suite of online training resources that
provide expert advice on conducting face-to-face and
remote business interactions on the continent.
The P2T2 project, which is supported by the
European Commission, brought together five
European universities and three SMEs, and was led
by our Centre for Digital Business.
The team developed the suite of training resources
after conducting research into business etiquette and
social media activity across 31 European countries. As
well as English, the resources are available in several
foreign languages, including French, German, Czech,
Greek, Finnish, Romanian, Italian and Bulgarian.
The value of P2T2 to SMEs with international
aspirations has been recognised by the business
community, with the P2T2 website winning, or being
shortlisted for, several industry awards.
This year, P2T2 scooped first prize in the ‘Best Use of
Search Third Sector’ category of the European Search
Awards 2014, a high-profile event celebrating the
best in search and digital marketing.
Meanwhile, the Big Chip 2014 Awards, the longestrunning digital awards in the UK, shortlisted P2T2 for
an award in its ‘Best Public Sector Project’ category,
and named a team of MSc Marketing students from
Salford Business School ‘Placement Team of the Year
2014’.
Dr Aleksej Heinze, an academic leader from our
Centre for Digital Business, said, “The ultimate goal
of the project was to educate SMEs and students and
increase their international trade and understanding
of business culture in different countries.
“The content has been extremely popular, with more
than 2,000 visitors to the website per-day, not to
mention SlideShare and YouTube views.”
Visit the P2T2 website:
www.businessculture.org
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 29
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Research Study:
The impact of the
Chernobyl disaster on
the region’s wildlife
30 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
Perspectives
ind out more about
the work of a team of
scientists from Salford
into how animal
movement in the
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone afects
external radiation exposure.
F
quantiication of
“Accurate
radiation dose is essential
for investigating possible
relationships between
radiation dose and efects
in wildlife – a major area of
international scientiic debate,
which has gained increasing
public proile following
the international nuclear
renaissance and events at
Fukushima in 2011
”
Dr Mike Wood,
School of Environment & Life Sciences
It’s almost 30 years since the world was shocked
by news of a catastrophic nuclear accident in the
old Soviet Union.
An explosion and fire at the Chernobyl Nuclear
Power Plant, in what is now the Ukraine, released
large amounts of radioactive particles into the
atmosphere, which spread over much of the
western USSR and Europe. Elevated levels of
radioactivity were discovered as far away as the
peaks of the Welsh mountains and the Scottish
Highlands.
The Chernobyl disaster is the worst nuclear
power plant accident in history. In addition to the
terrible human cost, the astronomical expense of
containment and decontamination brought the
Soviet Union to the brink of bankruptcy, hastening
its demise.
The short-term effects of the disaster were
devastating. But it is the legacy of this tragic event
that continues to cast a shadow over the lives of
so many people and the environment they live in.
And it’s this that a team of scientists from Salford
are investigating.
Image by Sergey Gaschak, Chernobyl Centre, Ukraine
The five-year project – ‘Transfer – Exposure –
Effects (TREE): integrating the science needed to
underpin radioactivity assessments for humans
and wildlife’ – aims to reduce uncertainty in
biosphere assessments.
Led by Salford’s Dr Mike Wood of the School
of Environment & Life Sciences, the team are
gauging how much radiation the animals are
exposed to and developing models that can be
applied to other nuclear-impacted sites.
The study is based in the 2,600km² Chernobyl
Exclusion Zone (CEZ), which still experiences high
levels of radiation 28 years after the explosion
took place.
Research is being carried out using a state-of-theart satellite navigation system that can track large
mammal movements. The mammals are fitted
with collars containing sensors, which measure
the external radiation dose they receive as they
move through the CEZ.
Due to the high levels of radiation in the CEZ,
the scientists will follow a range of safe working
practices. These include wearing clothing that
can be left in the CEZ and carrying monitoring
equipment to ensure that time spent in areas with
high radiation doses is restricted.
Dr Wood said, “The 1986 disaster contaminated
areas of the CEZ to different levels and so provides
a unique natural laboratory in which we can study
how animal movement through the environment
affects external radiation exposure.
“Accurate quantification of radiation dose is
essential for investigating possible relationships
between radiation dose and effects in wildlife –
a major area of international scientific debate,
which has gained increasing public profile through
the international nuclear renaissance and events at
Fukushima in 2011.”
The study’s findings will enable the team to
validate and, where necessary, further develop
current computer models used by regulators and
industry for assessing the impacts of ionising
radiation on wildlife.
DNA and radiation detector technologies,
developed as part of the project, will also be used
to study the transfer of radionuclides through
human food chains.
Interested in the science behind
the project? Head online for more
information:
www.bgs.ac.uk/rate/TREE.html
The team will assess how high levels of radiation
at the Chernobyl disaster site affect some of the
region’s large mammals, including deer, foxes,
raccoons and wolves.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 31
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Research shows that nearly a third of
women in the north west fail to attend
their cervical cancer screenings.
So academics from the University decided to
do something about it.
T
he result: a highly-innovative
social media awareness
campaign that tapped into our
fascination with cats.
Every two minutes, someone in the
UK is diagnosed with cancer.
The good news is that cancer survival rates have
doubled in the last 40 years, with around half
of male and female cancer patients predicted to
survive for at least ten years after diagnosis.
There are several reasons for these improved
survival rates – not least the work that is being
done by charities and health organisations to
raise awareness of the various types of cancer,
their symptoms, risk factors and causes, and
the steps we can each take to reduce the risk of
contracting the disease.
Posters and leaflets in GP’s surgeries, hospitals
and clinics urge us to be vigilant and take
advantage of regular check-ups and screening
opportunities.
However, the message is still not getting
through to some people who might be at risk
from certain types of the disease.
Take cervical cancer. Recent research reveals
that 32.5 per cent of women in the north west
are failing to attend their cervical screening
appointments.
This shocking statistic prompted academics
at Salford to join forces with the NHS for the
creation of an innovative campaign to improve
cervical screening rates in women aged 24- 29.
Experts from the fields of health, social media
and web marketing developed and launched
the online ‘Cat That Got The Screen’ campaign,
targeted specifically at women in the
north west.
32 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
The brief was to improve the audience’s
awareness, knowledge and confidence in cervical
screening, in order to lift screening rates and,
ultimately, reduce the incidence of cervical
cancer.
Several online channels were created where
women could engage and educate each other
about cervical screening. These included a
dedicated website and social media platforms
including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Our online fascination with cats provided
inspiration for the campaign. Our feline friends
are one of the most common internet searches.
Via a combination of serious messages and lighthearted viral content, the campaign encouraged
young women to book a cervical-screening
appointment at their local surgery or clinic.
Messaging emphasised that screening only takes
around five minutes and that regular check-ups
can prevent 75% of cervical cancer cases.
The campaign was launched across the web
and social media sites during Cervical Screening
Awareness Week.
Professor Paula Ormandy from the University’s
College of Health & Social Care said, “Of course,
there are lots of digital campaigns promoting
health, but what’s innovative about this project is
that it has embedded evaluation mechanisms so
that we can constantly audit its performance –
and change things if they’re not working or they
become tired.”
The campaign tapped into internet ‘meme’
culture. A meme is an idea that spreads between
individuals, which can take the form of an image,
video, picture, website or hashtag. By creating
internet memes, the message reached people
who are difficult to target or contact via the
channels traditionally used by the NHS.
For more information about the ‘Cat That Got
The Screen’ campaign, visit the official website:
www.thecatthatgotthescreen.org
Perspectives
no demands for items that could be described as
‘impractical’.
In another twist, it cost over 50% less than first
estimated to make a significant difference to the
lives of the homeless people taking part in the
project.
The personal budgets needed to effect change
had originally been estimated at £2000, but the
project saw positive results from an average outlay
of just £434.40 per person.
The study found that this approach resulted in
42% of the people on the pilot scheme finding
housing in stable accommodation, with many of
the remaining sample finding temporary lodgings,
such as B&Bs.
Other successes included an overall reduction
in alcohol and substance misuse, a boost in the
homeless person’s self-esteem and self-confidence,
and an uplift in their trust in and engagement
with support services.
The project was conducted in five pilot areas.
Most of the homeless people involved were also
heavy drinkers, with a history of substance misuse
and time in prison.
Dr Philip Brown, of the Sustainable Housing
& Urban Studies Unit, said,
“One of the reasons
Taking control ofv their own budget
Tackling homelessness
An ambitious project carried out by academics at Salford for the Welsh
Assembly Government has cast fresh light on a personalised approach
to addressing long-term rough sleeping.
I
magine being given a personal
allowance of around £400 to spend
however you choose.
What would feature on your shopping
list? Would you blow the money on a new
wardrobe? Perhaps you’d buy a flash new laptop
or year’s membership to the gym. Or what about
the latest games console or a city break?
Now, what if you were homeless?
What would be on your wish list then?
A study carried out by academics at Salford on
behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government has
revealed that giving homeless people access to a
personal budget can be a powerful tool in tackling
long-term rough sleeping.
The homeless people involved didn’t use the
money to buy frivolous items. They put it towards
paying off housing debts and purchasing everyday
essentials such as clothes, shoes, bedding, food,
bus passes, bicycles and mobile phones. Many of
the items helped them to attend job interviews
and keep in touch with family and friends.
Support workers sat down with the homeless
people to tailor an action plan, based on the
individual’s needs. They noted that there were
why the personal
budget approach was
successful is because
it puts the homeless
person in control of
their situation – in
partnership with a
keyworker.
"
“Given the long-term savings that can be made
for the tax payer, local authorities and their
partners should seriously consider introducing
individual budgets to their services.”
Find out more about the work of our
Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit:
www.shusu.salford.ac.uk
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 33
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Alumni Achievement
Awards 2014
Our alumni go on to achieve extraordinary successes
in many diferent ields – and the Alumni Achievement
Awards are our way of recognising their achievements.
Here are the latest alumni to be honoured.
Mike Flewitt
Advanced Certificate in Management, 1994 & MSc Project
Management, 1999
Mike is the current Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, the
British manufacturer of high-performance road vehicles based on Formula
One technology. Mike has enjoyed a long and successful career in the auto
industry. Under Mike’s leadership, McLaren continues to introduce at least
one new model or derivative every year.
34 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
From Salford Alumni Achievement Awards
Kate Abdo
Warren Brown
BSc European Languages,
2005
BA Performing Arts, 2008
Following a guest role in TV’s
Shameless and a one year stint
in the soap opera Hollyoaks, the
former World Thai Boxing Champion
returned to education and achieved
a BA in Performing Arts in 2008.
Following his degree Warren has
worked solidly as an actor on British
television most notably BBC1’s
Luther, for which he was nominated
for a Critics Choice Award in 2014.
Kate is the most recent addition to
the presenting team at Sky Sports
News in the UK. After completing
her degree in European Languages
in 2005, Kate made the move into
TV working at German channel
Deutsche Well TV and CNN before
her appointment at Sky Sports News
earlier this year.
David Topham
Marian Lauder MBE
Karimah Es Sabar
Helen Dent CBE
BA Hospitality
BA Politics & History of Industrial
Society, 1978
BSc Science, 1979
Diploma in Social Care
Since its formation in 1987, David
has been founder and director
of Manchester-based property
development and investment
company CTP Ltd. David has led
many regeneration initiatives across
the UK, concentrating on the office
and mixed-use sectors. He studied
at the University when it was known
as a Royal Technical College and is
now a Fellow of the Royal Institute
of Chartered Surveyors.
On graduating University Marian
joined the Army, where she has
enjoyed a 34 year career, becoming
a full colonel in 2000. Following
a number of high level leadership
posts, including a posting to
Whitehall for which she was
awarded an MBE, Marian took a
position at the Defence Academy,
where she delivered leadership
and management education to
the MOD’s senior officers and civil
servants. Marian is now a Director
of the bespoke risk governance
company Alto42.
Karimah was appointed President
and Chief Executive Officer of
The Centre for Drug Research and
Development (CDRD), Canada’s
national, not-for-profit drug
development and commercialisation
centre in 2012. She had previously
built a dynamic 30-year career
which saw her working in all types
of organisations from start-ups to
multi-nationals, and taking her to
over 60 countries on five continents.
In 2013 Karimah was named as one
of Canada’s Most Powerful Women.
Until very recently Helen was the
Chief Executive of Family Action,
a leading provider of services to
disadvantaged and socially isolated
families. Helen retired in March
2014 following 17 years at the
organisation, tackling the most
complex and difficult issues facing
families today, including domestic
abuse, mental health problems,
learning disabilities and severe
financial hardship.
Behrooz Barzegar
Anjali Pathak
Colin Sinclair
Ruth Cadbury
BSc Aeronautical Science, 1979;
MSc Air Transportation, 1979
BSc Business Decision
Analysis, 2002
BA Geography, 1983
BSc Social Sciences, 1981
Behrooz has had a distinguished
career in aeronautics spanning 35
years, beginning at British Aerospace
and continuing at Airbus. He now
leads the Flight Physics Integration,
Policies and Development
department, working on constant
improvements to air safety, efficiency
and sustainability.
Anjali is brand ambassador for
Patak’s cuisine and a member of the
family that founded the company.
Anjali’s passion for cooking has led
to her collaborating with her mother
on the cookbook 'Meena Pathak
Celebrates Indian Cooking: 100
Delicious Recipes', as well as sharing
recipes on her blog, hosting cookery
classes and travelling the world
promoting the Patak’s brand.
Colin has an entrepreneurial
background, beginning his career
in the music industry and managing
bands on Factory, A&M and
Virgin America Records. He is now
Director of Property Marketing at
Bruntwood, a role dedicated to
increasing business across the 110
building portfolio, focussing on the
creative industries within Manchester
and Liverpool.
Ruth is a trustee for the Barrow
Cadbury Trust, a social justice
foundation dedicated to bringing
about social change which was
founded by her great-grandparents.
She joined the Labour Party in
1981 and became a Councillor for
Brentford Ward in 1986. She is a
senior Councillor in Hounslow and
until recently she was the Deputy
Leader of the Borough. Ruth is also
a descendant of John Cadbury, who
founded the eponymous chocolate
business.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 35
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Behind the camera
With Salford graduate and ilm &
television director Ashley Pearce
“I learned to be bold. There was a lack of restrictions and if you
visualised something strongly enough you could ind the means
to do it" Ashley Pearce
fter graduating with an MA in
Television Documentary and
Features in 1994, Ashley Pearce
quickly established himself as
one of the country’s leading
television directors.
A
His most recent projects include Jimmy McGovern’s
‘Accused’ and the international hit series ‘Downton
Abbey’. Alumni Engagement Officer Paul Butlin
caught up with him on the set of his new BBC
drama ‘Remember Me’ and to hear more about
his time at the University and the highlights of a
glittering career.
My memories of Salford are incredibly positive.
My MA was sponsored by Granada television. It was
an exciting time and everyone was ambitious. We
were there to make films and we wanted to crack
on and do it. It was a very open and supportive
environment with fantastic tutors and I had access
to great knowledge.
On my course, I learned to be bold. There was a
lack of restrictions and if you visualised something
strongly enough you could find the means to
do it. The industry is about ideas – stylistically
and narratively.
My first job was on a factual programme called
‘Heartland’. It was an arts, music, entertainment
and travel show. This was during the Britpop era so I
got to interview bands such as Pulp and Supergrass.
I learned how to put a story across in five minutes
and make it interesting, engaging and different.
It was incredibly difficult for me to get into
directing drama – but I did it. I made my own
short film ‘Runners’ which I financed using my
credit cards. It was very well received at the Leeds
International Film Festival and it got me my first
job on ‘Hollyoaks’. I was very excited and knew it
was my big chance. I felt I had to shine and bring
something unique to my episodes to be noticed.
36 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
I love working on costume dramas. I directed
three episodes of ‘Poirot’ and four episodes of
‘Garrow’s Law’. I love the scale of the productions
and the creativity you can bring to the project.
I was jokingly nicknamed ‘The Dark Destroyer’
by Andrew Lincoln when I worked with him on
‘Afterlife’. I had a reputation for coming onto
established series and directing the last episodes of
the lead actor’s storyline. I directed Ken Stott’s last
episode of ‘The Vice’ and Amanda Burton’s final
‘Silent Witness’. We had a laugh about it.
The highlight of my career was when Sean
Bean won an International Emmy for ‘Accused’.
The hard man of cinema was playing a transvestite,
which could have been a complete disaster. Sean
and I worked very closely together to make that
work and I was so proud when it did. The shoot was
not without its surreal moments. I arrived one day
and Sean was in full costume - high heels, short skirt
and big blonde wig. He was wearing false breasts
and he said “come and feel my boobs” – so I did. It
was a beautifully bizarre moment.
‘Downton Abbey’ is a mega series with a huge
cast. I filmed a dinner scene with 13 actors around
a table with food coming and going. It is a logistical
challenge and takes a very long time. There is less
creative leeway as they already know the look of the
show, what they want to do and what they don’t
want to do. The show always needs to look grand
and filmic, which I enjoyed a lot and the actors were
fantastic to work with.
My new series, ‘Remember Me’, is a three part
ghost story and it was very much my vision. I
had input into the script and all aspects of the
production. It was very exciting to work with
Michael Palin. Working with such amazing actors
and a high quality script makes the job a joy."
‘Remember Me’ will air on BBC1 later in the year.
Ashley Pearce and his ‘Remember Me’
production team
From Salford Featured alumni
"The highlight of my career was when
Sean Bean won an International Emmy
for ‘Accused’. The hard man of cinema was
playing a transvestite, which could have
been a complete disaster"
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 37
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Leap of faith
Born in Iran, a country where dance is forbidden, Salford graduate Teni Matian
knew early on that pursuing her dream of being a professional dancer would
take extra determination and passion. She has since beaten the odds to become
one of Armenia’s leading contemporary dancers and choreographers. We caught
up with her to learn more about her journey.
Teni Matian loved to dance from a
very young age. But she was forced
to keep her love secret due to Iran’s
restrictions on all kinds
of performance.
Despite these obstacles, Teni wasn’t
willing to give up on her passion.
So, after completing high school,
she moved to Armenia, her mother’s
home country, where she was able
to study her craft.
After graduating from the Armenian
State Pedagogical University in 2003
as a qualified professional dance
teacher and director, Teni felt she
needed to explore other countries
and new styles of dance.
Following her dream, she came to
Salford where she began a BA in
Physical Dance Theatre in 2006.
Reflecting on the move seven years
later, she says, “I was coming from
a traditional Iranian Armenian
background and the contemporary
dance world was a new path for
me. In some ways, I was able to
keep my originality while adding
some spice from contemporary
dance and physical theatre.”
Upon arrival in Salford, Teni initially
struggled with the language barrier
and found the Manchester accent
particularly difficult to understand.
“I realised early on that I would
not be able to enjoy my course if I
isolated myself because of language.
I was blessed with great tutors,
like Lisa Cullen, and course mates
who helped me overcome this and
who spoke more slowly when I was
around.”
After completing her degree,
Teni moved briefly to London to
train with the Royal Academy of
Dance and become a professional
registered teacher with the academy.
In 2009 she returned to Armenia to
teach dance at the university where
she had previously studied. “I was
super excited and wanted to make
sure I was giving my lectures with
passion. Until then I had always
been the one being taught; now the
tables would be turned, and I would
be able to teach others.”
Teni set up her own dance company
in Armenia and has since guest
choreographed for a number of
national TV shows, including the
Armenian versions of ‘So You Think
You Can Dance’, ‘The X Factor’ and
‘The Voice’. She has also directed,
choreographed and produced
a number of high-profile dance
productions in Armenia, in particular
‘NERDURS’, a contemporary piece
dedicated to exiles throughout
history. The performance was a
sell-out and received critical acclaim.
In recent years, Teni has become
a diplomat through dance. In this
capacity, she returned to London
on an exchange organised through
the British Council to train with
the Candoco Company, a troup of
disabled and non-disabled dancers.
The scheme will help to establish
the first inclusive dance company in
Yerevan, Armenia.
Read the stories of other
inspirational Salford alumni:
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni/
alumni-online/notable-alumni
38 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
From Salford Featured alumni
Teni set up her own dance
company in Armenia and has
since guest choreographed
for a number of national
TV shows, including the
Armenian versions of ‘So
You Think You Can Dance’,
‘The X Factor’ and
‘The Voice’.
Main image: Teni Matian
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 39
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Get involved
Alumni
reunion:
Gadong,
Brunei
Alumni attend reunion in Gadong, Brunei
The Library
Did you know as an alumnus
you are welcome to use the
University’s library facilities?
This February, 30 Salford alumni caught up for a day of
nostalgia and networking at the Millennium Hotel in
Gadong, Brunei. The event, which was co-organised by
our Alumni Engagement and International Recruitment
teams, was an opportunity for alumni to speak about
their Salford experiences to prospective students, and
to catch up with old faces from their University days.
Attendees also got to show off their Salford knowledge
in a Salford trivia quiz.
Engagement team are here to support you. Whether
you plan to hold the event at the University or overseas,
we can help you track down former classmates,
give you advice on venues and organise local hotel
discounts.
Contact us to discuss your reunion plans on:
e: alumni@salford.ac.uk
Simply present your alumni card
at Clifford Whitworth library on
the Peel Park campus and the
library staff will issue you with a
library card, free of charge. You
can use any of the reference
books, quiet spaces and study
rooms and take out up to four
books at any one time. If you
do not have an alumni card you
can apply for one by visiting our
website at www.salford.ac.uk/
stayconnected.
t: +44 (0)161 295 2381
Want to catch up with your classmates?
If you would like to organise a reunion, the Alumni
Welcome to Alumni House
Your alumni engagement team has moved. We are now
based in our very own building dedicated to engaging and
supporting our graduates, Alumni House. Not only will this
provide the team with more suitable oice space, but it also
enables us to ofer a brand new service for our alumni.
O
Our new facilities provide
an exclusive space for
visiting alumni and your
guests to meet friends
and colleagues, catch up
on your emails and stay in touch with
the latest University developments.
We are open Monday to Friday from 09:00
to 17:00 (excluding bank holidays) and we
offer:
❚ Free Wi-Fi access
❚ Complimentary tea and coffee
40 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
❚ Maps and information about the
University
❚ A bookable meeting room.
The move to Alumni House is a reflection
of how important our alumni are to the
University and we hope lots of you are able
to visit us and make use of the facilities
there.
How to find us
Alumni House is located on the Peel Park
campus at 4 Acton Square, just off the
Crescent behind Joule House.
Find out more about Alumni House and how
you can take advantage of the facilities:
e: alumni@salford.ac.uk
t: +44 (0)161 295 2381
From Salford Get involved
Lifelong careers support
One of the great things about being a Salford graduate is the lifelong
support you will receive with your career, skills and employability.
Here’s an introduction to the resources that are available.
Careers advice
Employer presentations
Our careers advisers can provide expert health and advice that you can draw
upon wherever you are in your career journey. The range of advice includes
tips on writing the perfect CV and filling out application forms. You can tap
the expertise of our careers advisers by email, by Skype, by attending a dropin session or booking an appointment.
If you work for an organisation that’s in the market for talented Salford
students and graduates, we can help.
Careers fairs
Whether you have found the perfect job or are still looking, our careers fairs
are the perfect opportunity for students, graduates and employers to make
valuable industry contacts and find out about the talent and opportunities
on offer.
Graduate vacancies on Advantage
We advertise hundreds of vacancies on our Advantage system. The team
are always on the lookout for openings with new vacancies being added
daily. Set up an account and you can save job searches, sign up for our jobs
newsletter and much more.
Our employer presentations are an ideal forum in which to introduce
students to your organisation and to tell them about your vacancies and
recruitment processes. Additionally, we can support you with finding the
best-qualified applicants.
Employability workshops
We don’t just advertise jobs. We provide the support you need to develop
your career. This support is delivered through a programme of workshops
designed to equip you with key employability skills, including interview
techniques and pointers on developing your 'personal brand.' Events are
added throughout the year and all are open to graduates.
To find out more about these services, and the other resources available
to alumni, visit the careers and employability website:
www.careers.salford.ac.uk
Get full access to
the University Sports
Centre for just over
£19 per month
s a Salford graduate,
you qualify for Platinum
Membership of the
University Sports Centre
for just £229 per year –
which works out at a little more than
£19 per month.
A
With Platinum Membership, you will
enjoy full access to four newly-refurbished
fitness suites, a 25m pool, a sauna and
the spa. What’s more, you can get fit
in a busy programme of fitness classes,
including zumba, yoga, Metafit and body
conditioning.
How to claim your membership
Simply show your alumni card to the Sports
Centre staff. If you don’t have an alumni
card, you can order one here
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni/update.
You can find out more about the Sports
Centre facilities, and the other membership
packages that are available, here
www.sport.salford.ac.uk.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 41
From Salford Alumni Magazine 2014
Alumni updates
Thank you for all of your updates on social media, it’s been great to hear how you’re
all getting on. Below is a small selection of the huge number we received.
Matt Allison
Mechanical Engineering.
Graduated 1992. Running a company
called Vensis that builds spreadsheets and
databases for business.Married with two kids Cara
(14) and Oscar (11).Still supporting Hull KR and
playing the bass guitar
Sachin Sathe
MSc. Construction Management.
Graduated 2010. Currently working as project
planner for IPSConsultant Pvt. ltd.
Paul Delooze
Co-running Pressed Media Digital media
agency in Manchester.
Graduated in 2013 with 1st class honours in
professional sound and video technology
Francis Wong
BA (Hons), Organisational Analysis and
Industrial Relations graduated in 1982.
Just retired from Hospital Authority of Hong Kong
Denisse Da Silva
Operations Manager, Occupational
Therapy Bury Council.
Flying the flag for Occupational Therapy, I was
promoted to Operations Manager at Bury Council,
Adult Assessment and Reintegration Team,
Communities & Wellbeing, Disability Section in
January
this year.
Claire Stevens (nee Brown)
Keele University.
Graduated in 1996 with an MSc in Analytical
Chemistry. After a PhD in Chemistry at Keele
University and postdoc work with the Zeolites
group, I joined the Department of Medicines
Management at Keele as a medical writer. I am
part of a team offering evidence review and
prescribing support services to the NHS, and
I support the Midlands Therapeutics Review
and Advisory Committee (MTRAC). I also teach
critical appraisal and the skills for evidence-based
medicine to Pharmacy undergraduates.
42 www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
as Cluster General Manager, Human Resources
and am now an independent HR consultant. I
would not have reached this height of my career if
not getting this degree.
John Stevenson
MSc, Quality Management.
Working as Head of Quality for major defence
electronics organisation Selex ES Ltd. Graduated in
2003 and firmly believe that my degree has given
me the credibility required to undertake this high
profile role.
Chukwuka Anni Thomas Agubamah
Read Social Sciences – specialisation in
Transport Studies.
Graduated 1977 and I cannot adequately describe
my joy at being a Salfordian. Presently managing
director, Saltrans Ltd, Nigeria, freight forwarding
company.
Tim McNamara
Senior Partner, Peercourt Llp. Graduated 1982,
was on the student union's exec at Salford for 2+
years. Did an MSc at London uni, former member
of the UK Parliamentary press gallery, former
political editor with the European Commission.
Adam Williams
Webmaster and Freelance Writer.
I have had a book of poetry published this month
and am about to appear as an actor in a murder
mystery play. I graduated in 1994 in English
Language and Literature. Since graduating I have
worked as a journalist, writer and web developer.
Chris Caselton
Senior Quantity Surveyor, Rider Levett
Bucknall
I graduated from Salford in 1995 with a BSc in
Quantity Surveying. In the last year I have moved
to Christchurch, NZ where I am fully involved
in rebuilding the damaged city, notably a £60
million repair/refurbishment of a grade 1 heritage
building in the CBD.
In
Memoriam
The University extends its sincere
condolences to the family and friends of
those who have passed away recently.
Richard Jones
Aeronautical Engineering, Class of 1996
Richard Kay
BSc Audio Technology, Class of 2002
Dr Anita Lindsay
BSc Biochemistry, Class of 1978
Penelope Reed
MSc Counselling, Class of 2003
Paul James
Retired & Freelance.
I graduated in 1974 with a BSc in Mechanical
Engineering. Worked in the power industry
in Britain, Australia, Israel and Canada before
moving to Canada in 1979, where I have been
ever since. Took early retirement two years ago
and now spend my time travelling and writing my
travels up on websites and Facebook.
Maureen Brown
Interim Resourcing Consultant.
I graduated from Salford in 1995 with a degree in
Business & Management. I worked in recruitment
for 17 years and just recently set up my own
recruitment business.
Memory Ndlovu
Quantity Surveying.
I am a graduate Quantity Surveyor with Skanska
Construction UK. I graduated from Salford Uni last
year and managed to get employed by Skanska
by September 2013. Almost everything I learnt is
being practised in the industry.
From Salford Alumni updates
Hitched!
Congratulations to all the Salford alumni who have got married in the
last few years. We send our best wishes for the future.
Adeel Khan and his
wife, Iram Raja, met
at the University in
2007 in one of their
first BSc Business and
Management lectures.
They married in 2012
and both look back
fondly on their time at
Salford.
David Smith married
Katherine on 31 August
last year in Shaftesbury,
Dorset. This picture was
taken on Gold Hill, the
location for the famous
Hovis TV commercial.
David graduated in
1992 with a BSc (Hons)
in Modern Languages
in Marketing and now
writes TV subtitles.
If you are recently married and would like to
appear in the next edition of ‘From Salford’,
please get in touch at:
Laura and Martin
Morrell met at a
crowded Adelphi
lecture theatre on their
first day of University
in 2003. They both
studied BA Music and
performed in a band
together, and by the
third year they were an
item. The couple were
married in 2013 and
now live in sunny San
Diego, California.
e: alumni@salford.ac.uk
Salford
Professional
Development
Mini – MBA
Our Mini-MBA programmes have
been developed to meet the
demands of today’s current and
aspiring global business leaders.
In association with
Salford Business School
They have been developed by
Salford Business School (SBS) to give
professionals a strong understanding
of the core business principles and
the skills required to be successful in
business and beyond.
Next date
Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October.
To enquire about this programme,
please contact Paul Bolton on
p.bolton@salford.ac.uk
or call 0161 295 4376
The Mini-MBA is a blend of
academic principles and practical
insights to provide a rounded and
deep insight in to the business
environment. It has been designed
specifically to engender the key
skills that employers look for in their
senior management.
The Mini-MBA is an ideal option
for executives who are seeking to
improve their knowledge across a
wide spread of advanced skill sets.
It offers delegates a challenging and
rewarding experience that will equip
them with the skills and knowledge
they need to succeed in business in
2014 and beyond.
❚ Entrepreneurial leadership
and behaviour
❚ Consultancy skills
❚ Opportunity recognition and
risk analysis
❚ Creativity and innovation
❚ Critical analysis
❚ Professional presentation skills.
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni 43
Our graduates now work at
the BBC, NHS, BMW, KPMG and
other top companies
Your story continues here...
Postgraduate degrees at Salford:
Choose from courses in:
❚Qualify for 25% off your tuition fees as
❚
Arts and media
❚
Business and law
❚
Computing science and engineering
❚
Health and social care
❚
Humanities and social sciences.
a Salford graduate
❚Gain experience through fantastic placement
opportunities with industry
❚Get creative at our futuristic MediaCityUK campus
next door to BBC HQ.
Want to conduct your research at Salford?
Visit: www.salford.ac.uk/research
Find out more and apply
Use our handy course finder tool: www.salford.ac.uk/course-finder
t: +44 (0) 161 295 5909
f: +44 (0) 161 295 5496
e: alumni@salford.ac.uk
www.salford.ac.uk/alumni
0161 295 2639 (33147/14)
Alumni Relations
University of Salford
The Crescent
Salford, M5 4WT
United Kingdom
Marketing and Student Recruitment,
Any questions?
Call the Course Enquiries team on +44 (0) 161 295 4545
or email enquiries@salford.ac.uk