Member Article

Equity analyst funds £10,000 Teesside scholarships

One of the UK’s top equity analysts has donated £10,000 to fund two scholarships at Teesside University Business School.

Peter Atherton, head of Utility Sector at Liberum Capital, who graduated from Teesside in 1987, received a scholarship himself while studying for A-levels in his home city of Liverpool.

He said: “I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without that scholarship. Coming to Teesside and getting the degree changed my life and if I can help to make that happen for somebody else, I will be delighted.

“The scholarship from Littlewoods Pools meant that I was able to come to Teesside and I want to help the next generation of young people do the same.”

He has now created the Peter Atherton Opportunities Awards to fund two students coming to the university this autumn. The money will be allocated to allow students to take part in a voluntary placement in their first year, a work placement in the second and to help pay for study costs and equipment in the third.

Mr Atherton, one of the UK’s leading expert on the renewable energy industries, said: “I really want to be able to help young people who might have the talent, the intelligence and the drive to study at Teesside.

“I hope to be able to get rid of those financial barriers that stop people getting involved in valuable activities like volunteering or work placements.”

To be eligible or the scholarships, students must be predicted to gain at least ABB grades at A-level and have a low family history of studying in higher education. The university will contact potential scholarship students when they apply for their course at Teesside.

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for learning and student experience, said: “Our aim is to ensure that all students benefit from targeted support, not just when they start at Teesside, but throughout their time with us and after they graduate.

“It is fantastic that we can use the generosity of Peter Atherton to directly benefit our students. It demonstrates that he has not forgotten the life changing opportunities that higher education provides and the fact that he wants to help other Teesside University students speaks volumes about his appreciation of his time here.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Karen Dent .