Business students inspired by former M&S boss Lord Stuart Rose

Level 3 Business students at New City College Tower Hamlets were treated to a motivating talk by Lord Stuart Rose – former Executive Chairman of Marks & Spencer and current Chairman of Asda.

Lord Rose left a lasting impression with his fascinating presentation that was packed with practical insights, thoughtful advice, and funny anecdotes that really had the students engaged.

He spoke passionately about the skills needed to succeed in business today and urged students to be flexible, to embrace change, and not to be afraid of making mistakes.

He said his long-lasting career in retail and leadership had taught him that life is an eventful journey and success doesn’t have to come all at once, saying: “It’s okay to change your mind if something’s not working out.”

He also spoke about the importance of integrity, interpersonal skills, and pursuing work that ignites your passion. “Don’t chase money – let the money chase you,” he advised, adding that “PR should stand for Progress, not Recovery”.

The talk directly supported the BTEC Business students’ learning across key modules such as the Retail Environment, Exploring Business, and Principles of Management and Leadership.

Lord Rose brought these topics to life, reinforcing their relevance in the world of work and validating the value of the course.

He even offered to send through some top business tips and to review one student’s business plan – a generous gesture that underscored his genuine interest in helping young people succeed.

True to his word, he followed up the same day and sent the list of tips, which left students not only inspired, but also equipped with valuable advice they can carry forward.

One member of staff, Klaudia, said: “This was such a good match for our students. Many of them really connected with Lord Rose’s story – especially the fact that he came from an immigrant background and rose to the top through hard work, resilience, and a can-do attitude.”

The talk was sourced through Speakers for Schools by Senior Curriculum Manager for Business at NCC’s Tower Hamlets Campus, Evelyn Chronicle.

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