6 February 2012

British Sugar to support 2012 Academy Excellence Awards

We are thrilled to announce British Sugar is back to sponsor the Technology prize for the 2012 Academy Excellence Awards.

British Sugar will provide one week internship for the winner and runner up at its Wissington bio-refinery near Downham Market in Norfolk.  Wissington is the largest beet sugar factory in the world, the most efficient in Europe and produces over 400,000 tonnes of sugar annually.

The Technology prize winner and runner up will learn about British Sugar's use of technology to transform sugar beet into a myriad of sustainable products.  After meeting with the Group Chief Executive, they will follow the 'homegrown sugar story'; from beet harvesting, to sugar manfacture, to the production of co-products.  They will learn about the myths surrounding sugar and its use in food manufacture.  At the end of the week, they will share their thoughts with British Sugar's senior team on how manufacturing can be made more appealing to young people.

Last year's Technology prize winner, Sam Exton, and runner up, Ambi Ubhie, had a terrific week's internship with British Sugar.  "Nothing can beat the hands-on experience that Ambi and I had..." said Sam.  "British Sugar, and the creation of those simple sugar granules found in every home in the UK, is far more complicated and scientific than I had ever given credit for.  This past week has opened my eyes up to the world of British manufacturing and I can see definite career opportunities for anyone with an interest in science and technology; it is an amazing company!"

Dr. Mark Carr, Group Chief Executive of AB Sugar, British Sugar's parent company, said: "We're really please to be sponsoring the Academy Excellence Awards in its second year.  This is a great opportunity for us to inspire young people to think about the changing world of advanced and sustainable manufacturing; and the possible opportunities available to them in this field in the future.  The team thoroughly enjoyed hosting Sam and Ambi last year, and we're looking forward to meeting this year's winners.  Good luck to all students entering the Technology Award!"

Read Sam and Ambi's full account of their week with British Sugar - and get a taster for what the 2012 Academy Excellence Awards Technology prize winner and runner up will experience - by clicking here.

For more information about the awards, visit www.academyexcellenceawards.co.uk.

Further information

Sharon Fisher
Communications Manager, British Sugar plc
Telephone: 01733 563171
Email: sharon.fisher@britishsugar.com

The Academy Excellence Awards
Amy McLaren
Colman Getty
Telephone: 020 7631 2666
Mobile: 07980 843088
Email: amy@colmangetty.co.uk