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University of Sheffield Student Wins Regional Award |
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| 27/09/2006 | |
| University of Sheffield student takes top prize in regional business awards A student from the University of Sheffield's Management School has been named the most enterprising student in Yorkshire and Humber, after winning first prize at the regional Shell STEP awards. Simon Cook, 22, who is studying accounting and financial management at the University of Sheffield, beat six other students to claim the Yorkshire and Humber title. He is now one of eleven students, out of an original 1000 participants nationwide, who will be competing at the national Shell STEP finals in October. Shell STEP is a national organisation which places second and penultimate year undergraduates within small and medium-sized companies to deliver business projects and gain valuable work experience. The awards recognise the achievement and celebrate the success of students who have been completing projects for the organisation. Simon first got involved in the Shell STEP programme back in July and was placed with the I.T division of the Konnectiv group for an 8-week placement. The Konnectiv group is a Sheffield-based group of hi-tec companies specialising in home automation, I.T and internet services. Simon was recognised at the regional awards for creating a database system that enabled the company's I.T division to search stock and control prices, releasing £200,000 of revenue and enabling the company to grow and maximise income in the short, and long term. Kris Hogg, Group Chairman of Konnectiv, who has now offered Simon a permanent job, said: "Simon is a total credit, not only to himself, but to his university and Shell Step. He consistently applied himself to the job and was always enthusiastic and fun to be around. What he has achieved for us in such as short space of time is remarkable and I hope this performance is recognised by the judges at the national Shell STEP finals." Simon, who is currently working part- time at Konnectiv, whilst studying for his finals, has found the Shell STEP programme extremely rewarding and is now looking forward to the national finals. He said; "The Shell STEP programme has been a great learning experience. Before I began the programme I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I finished University but now I have a career in front of me." He added: "I can't wait for the finals and the prospect of being named the most enterprising student in the country. I am also looking forward to being able to highlight the help and guidance I have received from the University and Konnectiv along the way, both have been extremely supportive." Preceding the regional awards and Simon's achievement, two other students from the University of Sheffield were also recognised for their excellent Shell STEP projects at the Sheffield and Rotherham local Shell STEP awards. Matthew Wilson, who is studying computer science at the University, won first prize for his work with Commercial Internet Solutions company, Magic Number Ltd, whilst Sadie Fleming, who is studying business studies at the University was awarded third prize for her work with The People's Cartridge Company Ltd. Simon came second in these local awards and guaranteed himself a place in the regional finals with Matthew, where he competed against Matthew to win the regional title. Paul White, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Sheffield commented on the students success: "It is a wonderful achievement for three of our students to be recognised for their excellent entrepreneurial skills, effort and creativity. The University is extremely proud of their hard work and dedication, not only have they efficiently delivered their Shell STEP projects to a very high standard but they have also made a real difference to the local business community." He added: "Simon's outstanding achievement at the regional awards is a reflection of the high calibre of students studying at the University. I wish him every success at the national Shell STEP finals and with the rest of his studies." For further information please contact: Jenny Wilson, Media Relations Officer on 0114 2225339 or email j.c.wilson@shef.ac.uk |
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