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30 Mar 2005 17:13:23
It has been a busy week for high-profile visits at the University of Luton, including a visit by one of its former students who was recently knighted.
Sir Alan Jones, Chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, joined delegates at the M1 Knowledge Exchange at Putteridge Bury on Wednesday evening, to speak about improving world-wide competitiveness through education and training.
Sir Alan studied mechanical engineering at Luton College of Higher Education, before it became the University of Luton. In his speech to a packed conference room, he spoke passionately about Toyota’s philosophy and work ethic.
He said: “Every company should strive to be the very best at what they do and remember that the customer is their first priority.
“At Toyota we focus on quality and have a strong philosophy, good processes and strive for continuous improvement. That’s the Toyota way.
“We have respect for our members. It’s all about teamwork. Once this is in place, success within the business follows.”
The M1 Knowledge Exchange is the University of Luton’s vehicle to assist SMEs in the science, engineering, technology and manufacturing sectors. Working in collaboration with Cranfield University, the project offers a shortcut to the combined, expert business knowledge of the two universities.
M1 Knowledge Exchange project manager Greg White said: “It was a great honour to have Sir Alan with us this evening and he gave us an excellent insight into how Toyota has developed and maintained its success.”
“Delegates found the question and answer session with Sir Alan, particularly useful.”
The red carpet was out again on St Patrick’s Day for the arrival of East of England MEP Richard Howitt, who was a guest speaker at the Institute of Business Advisors’ AGM at Putteridge Bury.
On arrival he was greeted by a lone piper from the University of Luton Pipe Band, who played the St Patrick’s Day air, before being welcomed by Professor Paul Burns, Dean of the Business School, and Greg White, Project Manager at the Knowledge Hub.
Speaking after the event, Mr Howitt said: “I was delighted to be received so warmly by University staff and by the event organisers, not to mention the piper from the University Pipe Band.
“Events such as this today highlight the importance of quality, independent business advice and are key to the region’s businesses making the most of their marketplace and expanding into new ones.
“Conducting business in Europe is not just for huge multinationals. More and more small firms are finding that with the advice provided from groups, such as the Institute of Business Advisors, they too can profit from the enlarged European Union."
Photo top: Derek Ludlow - Chairman of Ludlows of Luton, Sir Alan Jones - Chairman of Toyota Manufacturing UK, Professor Les Ebdon - Vice Chancellor and Tony Lines - University Court Member.
Photo bottom: Professor Paul Burns, Richard Howitt MEP, Greg White and David Doherty.
Latest news» 2005» Mar» University Rolls out the Red Carpet for Special Guests
