Business figures recognised with fellowships from Warwickshire College and University Centre

A university centre has recognised two leading business figures in the Midlands with fellowships.

Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) has awarded fellowships to Louise Bennett OBE and Colin Hooper.

WCUC is the Higher Education arm of college group WCG, which includes Royal Leamington Spa College, Warwick Trident College, Moreton Morrell College, Rugby College, Pershore College and Evesham New College.

Fellowships are awarded by the university centre in recognition of external achievements and for contributions made to the college over extended periods of time.

They are recognised as ambassadors for the institution, with a commitment to upholding its standards and values.

Louise Bennett, former CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, is the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

She has held the position of President for WCG for the last two years and worked closely with the college group for nearly 20 years during her time at the Chamber of Commerce.

Louise said: “I’m flattered to have been awarded a fellowship and this will allow me to continue to be an ambassador for the college in an official capacity.

“I have had a strong relationship with the college group for more than two decades and I will continue to campaign for further investment in skills and training as a Fellow.”

Colin Hooper, formerly Estates Director at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, is a Chartered Surveyor with over 45 years’ experience in property management, development and master planning.

He was a member of the board of governors for WCG from 2018 to 2024 and also sat on the advisory board for Moreton Morrell College.

Colin said: “It’s a great honour and really unexpected. When I started out volunteering to support the college, I didn’t expect to be given an accolade such as this.

“I’ve brought my property expertise to the board over the last six years and through being a Fellow will be able to continue advising on those matters where required.”

The fellowships were awarded in a ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Warwick, which saw students graduating from across the university centre.

Fellowships are awarded by the university centre in recognition of external achievements and for contributions made to the college over extended periods of time.

WCG CEO and Principal Sara-Jane Watkins added: “Our Fellows uphold the standards and values of the group and are recognised ambassadors, representing the college group locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“A fellowship is the highest accolade that we can present at a college group and university centre.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Louise and Colin to our group of fellows. They have both had a significant positive impact on the college group for many years and their experience will be valuable as we continue to drive the institution forward.”