University showcases regional manufacturing success stories at awards ceremony

University News Last updated 06 March 2013

A unique exhibition showcasing innovation and excellence throughout the Midlands has been unveiled by Birmingham City University.

The design roadshow took pride of place at the University’s graduation ceremony at the City’s Symphony Hall in honour of William McGrath, CEO of AGA Rangemaster Group, who received an honorary doctoral degree in recognition of his outstanding and visionary business achievements in the region.

With a successful career spanning over 25 years, William’s time at Midlands-based AGA Rangemaster has seen him invest heavily in research and brand development, which has resulted in the birth of a new generation of innovative products over the last six years.

William has worked closely with Birmingham City University in helping showcase the region’s design, heritage and innovation capabilities. He is a part of a group of influential business leaders - brought together by the University - to help lead on the business think-tank IDEA Birmingham.

His work with IDEA Birmingham included the launch of the ‘Birmingham Made Me’ campaign in 2012, an initiative which has helped to showcase world-beating innovations from the Midlands, such as the Land Rover Defender, the AGA cooker, the Pashley Clubman bicycle, ACME whistles and Brooks England saddles together with the ground-breaking new hybrid supercar concept, the Jaguar C-X75.

The graduation ceremony exhibition kicks-off a series of events which will mark the 2013 Birmingham Made Me Design EXPO, which will be held this summer across the region by Birmingham City University and its partners.

For more information on how to get involved with the Birmingham Made Me Design EXPO please contact Beverley Nielsen.

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