A HOST of business and education experts have been appointed to lead a new trust aimed at strengthening education across the area.

The South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust (SCMAT) was launched by Furness College, Barrow, and is aiming to improve education through ‘sharing staff knowledge and expertise, high-quality teaching and the college’s world-class facilities’.

Among the members of SCMAT, which will officially be launched at a meeting on June 10, are John Butler MBE, who was national head of audit at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and Aaron Cummins, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

Andrew Wren, principal and chief executive of Furness College, said it was a strong lineup.

“We are delighted to have such a fitting breadth of experience across industry and education among the members and the trustees,” he said.

“Each will bring their own values and experience to this trust and, above all, they believe in this project and are enthusiastic about ensuring it makes a hugely positive impact for the young people of this town.”

Phil Huck, SCMAT chair designate of trustees and former chief executive of Barrow Borough Council, said: “As a passionate believer in our young people, the importance of education and local solutions, it is a real privilege to be involved in SCMAT.

“The members and trustees who will oversee it have an amazing range of skills, expertise, experience and enthusiasm. This is a hugely positive step forward for the future of the area.”

Earlier this year, Furness College invited primary and secondary schools to join SCMAT.

Chetwynde School, Barrow, signed up as the founding partner.

Also joining SCMAT as members are retired sixth form vice principal Jan Fielding and Phil Huck.

Led by Mr Huck, the board of trustees will include Craig Ivison from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, nuclear processes manager John Burgess, Karla Thomas of Playdale, degree apprentice Liam Edgley, retired geologist Peter Butterworth, primary teacher Lisa Warrener, senior project engineer Karen Johnson and Furness College’s assistant head of sixth form, Helen Rastelli, and financial controller Susan Pope.