News

Waste management firm sees value of Durham MBA

(23 March 2006)

An accountant from Cumbria is celebrating after his new MBA skills scooped him the job of his dreams.

Thirty-five year-old Alan Clapperton, from Carlisle in Cumbria, completed the part time MBA at Durham Business School last year. Now he’s able to ensure his newfound knowledge won’t go to waste after securing a top job at Red Industries Ltd, the Midland’s leading hazardous waste treatment and disposal company. As the new Director of Group Finance, Alan will be using his new found skills to develop the business while overseeing the firm’s long-term strategic financial position. "Ever since my early 20’s I wanted to do an MBA but the full time route was the only option available and juggling work and personal commitments made it impossible for me," Alan explains. He has no doubt that achieving this top business qualification has enabled him to move his career on to the next level and given him the confidence to take on the challenge of a crucial senior role. Alan said: "Thanks to my studies, Red Industries recognised that I could bring a broader range of skills, expertise and values to the role rather than purely accounting and financial skills." "This will enable me to manage the financial aspects of the business more effectively as it continues to grow and develop the range of services it offers as well as being able to develop company strategy with a much broader business perspective, crucial to the long-term success of the business." "The first-rate reputation of Durham Business School and the quality of its MBA programme was recognised as important by my employers and was a key factor in their selection decision." The two-year long MBA was the biggest personal challenge that Alan has undertaken. "The Durham MBA requires 100% commitment. It’s very challenging, but it was a period of my life where I found out a lot about myself, my commitment, my resolve and my intellectual abilities. However, the personal satisfaction gained in achieving the MBA is enormous." "The whole experience at Durham has been one of the most rewarding of my life. I had the opportunity to learn from, and work with, some of the best academic and business minds around and the knowledge gained from the vast range of experience brought by your course peers is also invaluable."