New Business Advisory Board for The Faculty of Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering

Senior business leaders from the FCIAE industry, innovators and alumni will be contributing to student success, informing curriculum development and providing a platform for innovation with business as part of the new Business Advisory Board for Solent University’s Faculty of Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering.

Chaired by Vanessa Brady OBE, Founder and CEO at Society of British and International Design - and a Solent University Honorary Doctor - the board, launching 24 March 2022, features a diverse mix of individuals who work across a variety of industry sectors, with extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.

Commenting on the creation of the Board, Vanessa Brady OBE says: “The advisory board aims to galvanize the university’s talent base of graduates with the experience of local industry leaders from the creative industries. Having received an Honorary Doctor of Design from Solent, I take pride in how the school nurtures the future of graduates’ passage into the workplace environment. I am honoured to support with my peers, the University's efforts through this scheme to establish the careers of students. Knowledge-share initiatives throughout the local community, the University and industry at large will act as a conduit to a variety of roles within the profession of design. The advisory board will assist graduates by providing a direct line of communication between education, employers and ultimately employment. I am excited to be a part of this 360-degree initiative.”

Below image: Left to right Brett Trafford, Jonathan Ridley, Adam Wheeler, Vanessa Brady, Sarah Radif, Ben Jepson, Raymond Yuen, Patrick Ainsworth, Brent Meheux

As well as helping inform the faculty, the board will share industry insight to current challenges, opportunities and developments that are impacting upon current and future learners. As well as sharing these insights to identify current challenges, opportunities and developments that are impacting upon current and future learners. Board members will have the opportunity to explore new course and curriculum opportunities in line with Solent’s growth priorities, whilst working with the wider University, delivering impactful activity to drive positive outcomes.

The board will be an advocate of the University within their network and industry, helping to broaden engagement and business growth. The recruitment of the board is crucial in identifying opportunities for external partners and agencies to inform, review and shape future development.

Recognising the diverse nature of the board, collaboration and innovation will be at the core of future meetings, creating an environment to foster and develop student success. The inaugural meeting saw members instantly get to work with the University outlining plans to launch the new Government supported Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ’s).

The launch of the board follows the successful launch of two other boards within Solent Business School and Warsash Maritime School and of which form part of the University’s new approach to engaging with the business community.

Professor Peter Lloyd, Dean of the FCIAE says, “By formally connecting the faculty with its industry partners we can be confident that our curriculum is producing the right graduates for the right industry futures. By working in close collaboration, we can not only ensure that the quality of our curriculum is current but that it has the space to be innovative, forward thinking and future ready.”

If you’d like to find out more about the board, please contact Sarah Radif Head of Architecture, Design & Built Environment: sarah.radif@solent.ac.uk

The appointed Business Advisory Board are:

• Vanessa Brady OBE, Founder and CEO at Society of British and International Design (Hon Doc) – CHAIR

• Pauline Traetto, CEO & Founder at Reconstructing Minds Ltd (Hon Doc)

• Brett Trafford, Innovation Director, Fawley Waterside

• Sarah Scott, Executive Director, MAST / Mayflower Theatre

• Adam Wheeler, Design Office Manager, Sunseeker International

• Raymond Yuen, Director Bridges South, Ramboll

• Alex Whittaker, Senior Designer, Baxter and Bailey

• Alex Naraian, Past President of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (Hon Fellow)

• Raymond Yuen, Director, Bridges South, Ramboll

• Ben Jepson, Divisional Director Architect, Head of Maritime, Stride Treglown

• Racheal Lane – McCarthy and Stone