John’s connection with The Smallpeice Trust began through his family’s desire to celebrate the life and legacy of Linda, whose own journey in science and engineering was shaped by determination, curiosity and a belief in equality. As the first in her family to attend university, Linda went on to build a career in chemistry and information systems engineering, while championing greater opportunities for women in STEM. She also encouraged both her sons to become Arkwright Scholars and pursue careers in science and engineering. Today, John reflects on why supporting the next generation of engineers is such a meaningful way to honour Linda’s legacy, and why creating greater opportunities for women in the profession remains so important. Here’s his story.
What inspired your foundation to support The Smallpeice Trust?
Linda worked hard at school and was the first in her family to go to University. Following on from her degree in Chemistry she studied for a PhD and made good use of her practical abilities. As a research chemist she witnessed first hand the lack of equality in the workplace (this was the 1980s) and was often vocal about it. She took a career break in order to look after her two sons before retraining into Information Systems Engineering. A subsequent job combined her technical and project management skills with her love of arts and crafts. She was a skilled crafter always open to trying new techniques and latterly became an advocate for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle movement.
Sponsoring an Arkwright Scholar struck our family as an excellent way of celebrating Linda’s life especially as she encouraged both her sons to become Arkwright Scholars and to take up careers in science and engineering.
What outcomes or impact have you seen from your funding?
We hope that we have been able encourage one young woman into a career in Engineering. It is essential that women should be fully and equally involved in all aspects of science and engineering.
Can you share a moment or experience that captures what The Smallpeice Trust is all about for you?
Attending the kick off event in Leeds last November was enthralling. To be sitting with a group of earnest enthusiastic young people who had a passion for solving technical puzzles and wanting to learn more about the world was wonderful.
Why do you believe the Trust’s mission is important for society?
We live in a complex world. It is essential that there are sufficient engineers and scientists to maintain and further improve our life experience.
For John, supporting The Smallpeice Trust is a meaningful way to celebrate Linda’s life and the values she championed throughout hers. As a supporter of the Trust, he hopes to honour her legacy by helping more young people, particularly women, see the opportunities a career in engineering can offer. As The Smallpeice Trust celebrates 60 years, John is proud to support its mission to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and problem-solvers.
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