Gower College Swansea's Sue Poole has been named the IOEE Enterprise Educator of the Year following a recent presentation ceremony at the House of Lords.
The Celebrating Enterprise Awards were hosted by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) and the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), bringing together educators, entrepreneurs and other key figures from the UK’s small business, enterprise and skills sector.
The IOEE Enterprise Educator of the Year award recognises an individual who has demonstrated an enterprising approach to developing and delivering enterprise and entrepreneurial learning and skills, inspiring students and enabling them to realise their enterprise potential. The IOEE Enterprise Educator of the Year is someone committed to continually developing their own skills and who champions enterprise education widely.
Since 2012, Sue has managed the South Wales Regional Enterprise Hub, developing enterprising young people across South West Wales in partnership with two universities and four further education colleges. In her role as Enterprise Education Manager at Gower College Swansea, she has developed the entrepreneurial skills of over 300 primary school children and 4,500 secondary school children, winning numerous national and international awards along the way.
Sue is also the driving force behind Enterprise Academy Wales, the first initiative of its kind in the country. The Academy supports those aged 18-30 wishing to improve their enterprising skills and start their own business. These are just some of the examples of Sue’s passion and desire to bring entrepreneurial learning to all young people.
“I am thrilled and delighted to have won this prestigious award and being in such illustrious company is very humbling," says Sue. "My goal has always been to develop the entrepreneurial skills of all our young people across South West Wales and support them in achieving successful futures.”
“Sue's understanding of young people’s needs and her belief in their potential marks her out as an enterprise educator truly worth of this award," adds Leigh Sear, Chief Executive of SFEDI Solutions. "Sue is widely recognised as being highly passionate about boosting young people’s self-esteem and giving them the skills to become the entrepreneurs of the future.”
Also nominated for this award were Dr Susan Laing, Christine Atkinson and Mark Hoyle.
ENDS
The SFEDI Group is the Government recognised Sector Skills Organisation for enterprise and business support. Established in 1996, it has earned recognition as the source of expertise on skills and knowhow for the development of small, medium and micro businesses. The group includes SFEDI, SFEDI Awards, SFEDI Solutions and the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE).
The IOEE (www.ioee.co.uk) is the first learning institute dedicated to developing and recognising the skills of enterprising people. It supports enterprise professionals in developing their skills and knowledge to a high standard to provide outstanding enterprise support.
SFEDI and the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) hosted the Celebrating Enterprise event at the House of Lords on Wednesday 4th November from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. The annual event brings together small businesses and representatives from business organisations from across the UK to celebrate everything that’s great about enterprise and enterprising skills.
For more information please call 0845 467 3218 or email info@ioee.uk
Press release: IOEE
Photo: Peter Medlicott