news 11 ’My MBA opened doors worldwide’
After spending 20 years making bespoke dresses for foreign royals and the wives of international polo players, Sarah Miles wanted a change. Following an MBA at the University of Portsmouth Business School, she is now running a two-year project with the UK market leader for humidification and studying part-time for a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
She said: “When I worked as a dressmaker people used to come to me for the bespoke service. They didn’t seem to think twice about coming down from London to be fitted, but after 20 years in the industry, the market conditions were changing. Fast-fashion had become the norm even for the very rich, so it seemed a sensible time to embark on something new.“
SHOW YOU MEAN BUSINESS, GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
Miles signed up to study for a Higher National Diploma in Hospitality and came top of her class. She followed that by enrolling on a degree course and came top of her class again. As a result of her excellent results she won a Business School scholarship to study for the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
“I discovered that what I really loved was the academic challenge and business in general. It’s great being with young people too. It was incredibly interesting to be mixing with fellow students from all sorts of different industries and from all over the world.
Our MBA will provide you with the opportunity to develop your strategic problem-solving skills whilst mastering the latest business research knowledge and practice. We offer extensive involvement with real organisational issues embedded in an innovatively designed, AMBA accredited, programme.
To find out more about our wide range of degrees, come along to one of our regular open evenings – details of which can be found at
www.sharpenyourcompetitiveedge.com
T: 023 9284 8200 E:
pbs.postgradadmissions@
port.ac.uk
“We are lucky now that doors haven’t closed to us in the same way they seemed to for our mothers. We are able to make huge changes and take on exciting new challenges and I love that. I wanted to do something entirely different. I was really lucky I could, as it changed my life.“
Miles now works for JS Humidifiers running a two-year knowledge transfer project in connection with the University of Portsmouth. The focus of the project is about improving processes, implementing a robust system for business analysis and financial reporting, as well as developing a decisionmaking framework for evaluating new revenue streams.
“The MBA gave me a real breadth of experience – I learnt about operations, marketing and finance and strengthened my business skills. Undertaking the MBA with students from all over the world has widened my networks and created global business links. The company I work for exports to the Middle East and as a result of the MBA I have a number of contacts in the United Arab Emirates, which have proved extremely valuable.“
Postgraduate open evening
The Portsmouth Business School’s next postgraduate open evening will be held on June 19, 2012.
Details:
www.sharpenyourcompetitiveedge.com
Paris Smith launches club to help businesses manage risk
Around 100 businesses gathered at the Ageas Bowl for the Paris Smith Business Club launch, to learn how managing risk can be a critical factor in determining success.
Keynote speaker Dee Caffari explained how she moved from the relatively safe domain of teaching to take up adventures on the high seas while still a novice. She was awarded an MBE in recognition of her solo circumnavigation against the prevailing winds and currents, setting a world record in the process by becoming the first woman to complete this epic voyage in 2006.
To meet the voyage’s challenges she stressed that preparation was key and where she did not have the skills she made sure that she developed the knowledge, experience and expertise required.
“If in doubt, find someone who knows what they are doing and copy them. I learnt a lot not only by listening, but also by having a fabulous team who worked behind the scenes at base,“ said Caffari. “When I was experiencing icebergs at night and I didn’t know how to handle them, I was able to email and get the answers I needed.“
The inspiration for the Business Club came from Peter Taylor, partner and head of dispute resolution and commercial litigation, and Sarah
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JUNE 2012
From left: Peter Taylor, Dee Caffari, Sarah Wheadon and Clive Thomson
Wheadon, associate and head of regulatory and health and safety.
Taylor commented: “We both felt that as solicitors it would be better to proactively support businesses and help them to avoid the pitfalls of being in business rather than having to provide what can often be costly solutions after the event. Any form of litigation is a stressful experience and we want to put businesses back in control of their route to success.“
Added Wheadon: “We also wanted to make it affordable. For as little 55p per day you can access a wealth of information which could prove vital in protecting your business.“
The new website for the business club:
www.parissmithbusinessclub.co.uk was launched at the event. It provides a range of services including podcasts, discussion forum and risk guides with a simple ’traffic light’ system which helps businesses prioritise and stay focused.
www.businessmag.co.uk
www.port.ac.uk/pbs
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