MBA Agri-Farm Scholarship celebrates first graduates

The MBA Agri-Farm Scholarship, a pioneering scheme is celebrating as its first graduates are presented with their honours.  Richard Milligan-Manby from Lincoln and Mark Hall from Bedford both obtained their MBA from Cranfield University School of Management, one of the world’s leading business schools. 

Established 4 years ago by John Beckett, former Chairman of Genus and NWF Group, the main objective of the scholarship is to offer farmers and agricultural professionals the opportunity to learn valuable business skills. The scholarship, which can be completed in one or two years, part-time or full-time, provides recipients with a substantial contribution to the tune of £28,000 toward the cost of studying.

Commenting on the scheme founder, John Beckett says, ”Although British agriculture is scientifically & technically excellent, there is a lack of business culture and acumen, the aim of this MBA is to give people that knowledge.”

Graduate Mark Hall said, ” One of my main concerns before undertaking the course was the cost, however through the scholarship fund the financial burden was greatly reduced. Completing the MBA meant working within a pressured environment to meet tight deadlines and consistently producing a good standard of work. My career path has taken a new course; I now work as a business analyst for Syngenta, looking at the performance of the UK business and challenging specific areas of business strategy within the UK and Europe, a job I would never have secured without the MBA.

Further applications are now being sought so if you are interested or would like to find out more information about the scholarship scheme then please visit www.som.cranfield.ac.uk or call 01234 754812.

In addition, companies and individuals who would like to lend their backing and provide sponsorship to the charity would mean that more individuals within the industry could gain the business skills provided through the MBA. To pledge your support, please contact John Beckett at johnbeckett@beltoncheese.co.uk