08 Feb 2007 | Ref. 024/2007
WARTON, United Kingdom – Matthew Pearson from BAE Systems has become the latest winner of the prestigious Bee Beamont Memorial Shield. The annual award is one of a series presented by the BAE Systems Military Air Solutions business. It recognises the company’s most outstanding engineers.
The Bee Beamont Shield, named in memory of the test pilot and former British Aerospace Director of Flight Operation, was presented to Matthew, who is based at the BAE Systems site in Warton, for his work as Project and Technical Lead within the Concept Demonstration department.
Concept Demonstration takes ideas from theory to reality. The department works with the latest technologies across the BAE Systems businesses worldwide. Examples of the Concept Demonstration work include BAE Systems’ recently unveiled Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programmes -until only a few months ago a well guarded secret.
Matthew, who joined BAE Systems two years ago, said: “My grandparents live near Preston and as a child they used to take me to the main gates at Warton to see the aircraft flying by. It was these visits that inspired me to choose a career in the aerospace industry and ultimately return to Warton as a professional engineer.”
“Winning this award is fantastic. I feel really honoured. What I want to do now is encourage more people, especially those who are in the early stages of their career to take on challenges and succeed.”
The Shield was presented by BAE Systems Science and Technology Director, Lambert Dopping-Hepenstal, who was also the chairman of the selection panel. Lambert said: "Matthew has been instrumental in building and leading a team and working with our partners to deliver two concept demonstrators within timescales and to budget. This award recognises his achievements and leadership in his short time with the company.”
Nine other BAE Systems engineers also picked up awards in recognition for their work, whilst a further two people received a Lifetime Award for their extensive breadth of knowledge and specialist, deep knowledge in engineering.
Simon Howison, BAE Systems Military Air Solutions Engineering Director, said: “In previous years, we have only awarded the Bee Beaumont Shield. The additional awards allow us to recognise the range of achievements across the air sector. The standard of nomination has been very high and demonstrates the excellence of our Engineers.”
In 2006, over 1,000 people in a variety of skill categories such as engineering, project management and procurement were recruited into the Company’s Military Air Solutions business, based in the North West of England.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded 12 billion pounds (US22 billion dollars) in 2005, excluding the Group's former interest in Airbus.
For further information, please contact:
Debbie Szeto, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 853 485
debbie.szeto@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934 Mob: +44 (0)7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
