SATRA chief executive Dr Ron Whittaker has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by University College Northampton (UCN) for his services to industry and education in the county and the regional economy. The work of SATRA is known globally, but the organisation is highly respected in Northamptonshire for its stability and growth over the last 85 years, establishing itself as the largest technical centre in the county. For the past six years, Dr Whittaker has also contributed to economic development in the East Midlands as a board member of the Regional Development Agency (EMDA). In congratulating UCN on its achievement in gaining full university status, Dr Whittaker urged all students graduating to use their first degrees as a passport to opportunity, wealth, career development and as a contribution to society in the 21st century. 'Consumer product industries such as footwear, clothing and furniture in the West still require high knowledge trained people for the key tasks of design, specification, logistics, quality assurance and control, even if the actual production can be carried out more cheaply overseas', he said.
