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. 

For the last six years Dr Whittaker has 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, and career development and to contribute to society. "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.