Ian May has joined us as Finance Director and Company Secretary.  Ian has a variety of experience in both the private and charitable sectors covering a range of areas from industrial, retail to education.  He was, until recently, Finance Director of St Paul's School and the Finance Manager of the Hammersmith Academy during its construction.

Colin Howell will join us with effect from 1^st February 2012 as a Senior Adviser covering UTCs in the North of England.  Colin is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor who has been Academies Director of Partnerships for Schools for the last seven years.  He specialises in construction procurement and delivery and in the development of innovative funding solutions.

Christine Whatford CBE, has joined us as a Senior Adviser covering UTCs in London and the Home Counties.  Christine was Headteacher of Abbey Wood mixed comprehensive school and went on to be Director of Education in Hammersmith and Fulham.  Since then she has been working as an education consultant and has acted as Interim Director of Education at Tower Hamlets and Interim Director of Children's Services in Greenwich.

Peter Mitchell, CEO of BDT said "The programme is growing fast with two UTCs open, seventeen in development and a large number of applications received yesterday by the DfE for Round 2.  We are therefore increasing capacity and delighted to have these experienced people on board".