Photo: L to R pictured are John Beaty, Deputy Principal at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC), Shaun Gray, European MD of Ginho Group and Ann Walton, International Operations Manager at BSDC

We are proud to announce our European MD, Shaun Gray has been appointed as Patron of International Operations at Burton and South Derbyshire College joining the College’s impressive list of patrons across its broad range of areas.

The College’s network of patrons mean that students benefit from an industry-led curriculum, access to key industry contacts and the opportunity to work on live briefs for real companies. This supports the College in delivering its Skills Promise and ensuring that when students complete their course, they will be job ready with the transferable skills and qualities they need to make an impact in their chosen industry or profession.

Shaun, who studied Engineering at Burton and South Derbyshire College said: “I am really excited about working with the College on this remit. International trading is a key focus for Ginho – working globally while delivering locally – and so I can’t wait to get involved with the next generation of global workers. I am sure this patronage will be hugely beneficial to my own personal development as well as, hopefully, the students!”

Burton and South Derbyshire College has got a reputation for being a ‘global college’ and was recently shortlisted in the British Council International Award category of the AoC Beacon Awards. International work is embedded into the wider college ‘system’ which has seen international learners become part of the fabric of the organisation.

John Beaty, Deputy Principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, added: “We’re delighted to have Shaun joining our network of patrons. Shaun brings with him a wealth of experience in international business and will be an extremely inspirational figure for our learners who are just starting out in their careers. Our international work is incredibly important to us as it not only provides learners from throughout the world with excellent learning experiences but it also allows our domestic learners to gain valuable insights into other world cultures, broadening their global outlook and adding value to their future career prospects.”

Pictured are Ginho staff accepting the win for the International Trade award at the Staffordshire chamber of commerce awards

Ginho Group has been named as the winner of the International Trade category at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce annual business awards.

Sponsored by the Department of International Trade, this award recognises companies who excel in exporting by paying particular attention to the whole process, including developing overseas opportunities, strategic partnerships, and the overall benefit the international activity brings to Staffordshire.

This is particular recognition for supply chain manager Joshua Hancock-Brown and his supply chain team who have led the way during Brexit and Covid, delivering great service to customers despite the challenges faced.

MD of Ginho Group Europe Shaun Gray said: “I’m incredibly proud of how we have navigated the last 18 months to ensure supply to our customers across Europe. The International Trade award is great recognition for the team who have worked tirelessly through Brexit and Covid-19 to maintain supply to our customers.

“Thanks also go to our customers, suppliers, and local communities – we couldn’t win awards such as these without our great partnerships which continue to play such a vital role in our success.”

Announcing Ginho Group as the winner on the night, one of the judges said:

“It’s been a difficult 18 months and companies trading internationally really had to raise their game – it was a humbling experience to read and judge the entries which were all at a tremendous level. The winning company Ginho, strategised, it planned ahead, and it took Brexit in its step. We couldn’t believe the steps they had taken; it was phenomenal. They used their bespoke manufacturing plant to bring products into the UK and what they did to change their certificate of origin was very, very impressive.”

Congratulations to all the award winners and those shortlisted on the night – it was a brilliant evening of celebration. You can read about the awards here Awards – Staffordshire Chambers.