What job/study are you doing right now and tell us a little about it?
I'm semi-retired now from my career as a Senior Executive in the Lloyds Banking Group - however I'm now both a Public Governor of the University of Manchester South Manchester NHS Trust ; I represent the interests of Patients in regard to Decisions (both Strategic & Tactical) being made in regard to the provision hospital services. I';m also a Director and Trustee of St Georges Hall in Liverpool; I am responsible for ensuring that the Hall (an iconic historical building) is adequately funded and serviced.
Did you do any further/higher education?
Yes, I went on to obtain 5 A-levels at West Park Grammar School in St Helens. I also obtained a B.Sc degree in Mathematics from the University of Manchester in 1976. I'm also currently studying for a degree in History at the Open University.
How did you decide on your career path and what is/was most interesting about your work?
I became very interested in Computing during my time at University. I then went on to become a Senior Management Consultant specialising in IT. That allowed me to work all over the world including the United States and Turkey. I worked for several leading companies including Price Waterhouse Coopers and latterly Lloyds Banking Group. During my career in Lloyds I widened my experience beyond IT into several other disciplines including Marketing and the Security of the Lloyds Branch networks.
Can you share a couple of fond memories of your time at St Cuthbert's?
I used to enjoy the daily walk each day with my friends to and from school (even though for me it was a 6 mile+ round trip!). I also remember with fondness the annual school cross country run. I enjoyed it even though it took place in mid-winter and that usually we all got very wet and dirty. I then realised I was a reasonable runner. In that respect I still run as a hobby now albeit slowly!
Did you have a favourite/influential teacher? What made them so important to you?
The mathematics teacher (Mr Ford) was my favourite teacher; he was very hard but fair. He was also very inspiring, so much so that I and a couple of my friends went onto West Park Grammar and ultimately University to study Sciences (I studied Mathematics). It is certainly true to say that he changed all our lives especially as we went on to have successful careers in many respects largely attributable to him.
What advice would you give our current students?
Have fun but listen to your teachers and also study hard. Remember that being successful at your studies will be of great benefit throughout your lives.
Name: Philip Martlew