Alumni Achievement Awards Winners 2023

MSc Management Studies, Class of 2002 

Richard Jeffery is the National Director of GC Business, a division of The Growth Company. He has spearheaded the growth of GC Business's support services, impacting 35,000 UK businesses annually.  

In 2011, he established the GC Business Growth Hub, a blueprint for Growth Hubs in England, turning a £500k investment into a £20M per annum business that has aided over 12,000 entrepreneurs globally. Richard has launched national programs, like Creative Scale-Up and Global Scale-Up, and played a pivotal role in the government-backed Peer Networks program. He received the Institute of Directors 2018 ‘Director of the Year Award’ and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.  

Richard chairs the Northern Powerhouse Growth Hub Network, co-chairs the Scale Up Institute's Access to Market Committee, and actively supports the University of Salford's Business School in various areas, including COVID-19 recovery response, employability programs, digital leadership, start-up and SME engagement. 

BEng Electrical Engineering, Class of 1990 

Nic Humphries is a Senior Partner and Executive Chairman of HgCapital and their Saturn Fund, leading Europe's largest investor in software and technology. With over 30 years of experience, Nic has been responsible for Hg's strategy, management, and governance, focusing on significant software investments catering to professionals in various fields. He joined Hg in 2001 as the founder of the Technology Team and has since led or co-led more than 30 investments. Nic currently serves on the boards of tech companies, IRIS Software, and Visma. 

Raised in Mansfield, Nic was the first in his family to attend university, having studied at Salford, which he credits for opening new opportunities in his life. He remains deeply engaged with the university, actively supporting various ventures including scholarships, IntoUniversity and Energy House Labs. Nic initiated the Hg Access to Tech Scholarship program, providing opportunities for students, and personally mentors one of the scholars pursuing a Biological Sciences Degree. Additionally, Nic and Hg have contributed to Salford's Community Outreach and Impact fund, assisting the university in building networks through introductions to high-profile Salford alumni. 

MSc Project Management, Class of 2021

Maudlyn is a dynamic leader, managing two impactful organisations: GEWE Global Network CIC in the UK and Anijie Global Foundation in Ghana. GEWE Global Network CIC advocates female leadership in politics and civic engagement while fostering the growth of young women through workshops and events. As the founder of Anijie Global Foundation, Maudlyn focuses on empowering women, youth, and children, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her remarkable work has earned her recognition as a Board Member for the European Forum Alpbach in Austria and as a delegate for UN Women UK at the Commission on the Status of Women in New York. Anijie Global Foundation has initiated numerous programs, including a nationwide campaign donating exercise books to marginalized schools and providing quality education programs for over 6000 beneficiaries, primarily women, persons with disabilities, and youth.

Maudlyn's commitment to gender equality, female leadership, and climate action is showcased through her involvement in global conferences and her latest project, GEWE Global Network, which empowers young African and BME individuals in the UK.

BSc Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology, Class of 2019

Laura Praill is a devoted conservationist and primate advocate, serving as the Fundraising and Communications Manager at the Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon. She made a bold move, relocating to actively contribute to conservation efforts in a different continent. Laura excels in fundraising and communications, actively engages in animal care, conservation planning, and offers expert advice on primate behaviour and conservation. She created the Global Primate Roadkill Database, a vital resource shedding light on the impact of expanding roads on primate populations, particularly in developing tropical countries. Laura is a beacon for aspiring female researchers and conservationists, supporting equal opportunities and mentoring women in Cameroon.

She proudly represents the University of Salford, having founded the successful Pole Fitness Society during her time as a student, served as an ambassador, and organised immersive experiences for wildlife students and inspiring talks featuring renowned conservationist Ian Redmond. Laura's work is instrumental in primate conservation, making her a role model for future female conservationists.

MBA, Class of 2022 

Phil's career trajectory began in the Fire and Rescue Service, later transitioning into the NHS with a focus on Fire Safety, ultimately assuming a compliance role in Capital and Estates functions. He then oversaw Fire Safety strategy in Social Housing. During the pandemic, Phil played a key role as the Estates and Facilities service delivery lead in a Northwest NHS Trust. His extensive experience and pursuit of an MBA program with distinction and Fellowship status with the Institute of Leadership and Management prepared him for success at Capita, where he has made substantial contributions. He developed client relationships in local and central government, led digital innovation projects, and initiated an apprentice program, supporting college graduates. Recognised for his achievements, Phil was promoted to Technical Director - Growth, entrusted with enhancing client propositions for a £25m business.  

Phil's influence extends beyond the corporate realm. He initiated an apprentice program at Capita, offering college graduates employment opportunities and funding their Level 6 Building Surveying degrees at the University of Salford. Additionally, Phil has supported the University's Business School through guest lectures and volunteering activities.