Dr. Muhammad Farmer, Director of the British Insitute of Technology & E-Commerce has a stark warning for the borough's youth - "Don't take free education for granted. There'll be no point complaining that outsiders are taking jobs away if you don't have the skills in the first place. You can do it and do it from Newham."
The Largest MBA cohort in London are gaining their skills right here in Newham. From humble beginnings in the year 2000 with just 3 staff; the British Institute of Technology and E-Commerece has grown remarkably. It now has 36 permanent staff and 30 lecturers.
From the start the Institute has been doing things differently, focussing not only on providing qualifications but also boosting local small businesses with networks and assistance in strategic planning and marketing.
Dr. Farmer highlights a great community environment as one of the primary reasons he has chosen to grow his business from here.
The British Institute of Technology and E-Commerce was the first UK Institute to have qualifications validated by a major University.
The Institute's commitment to the local community is more than lip service, evidenced by it offering Free English and IT courses without any outside support.
The BITE's Annual Awards, have seen the company forge sponsorship partnerships with companies such as Rolls Royce, KPMG and Microsoft. The Institute has garnered auspicious company not only locally but Internationally as well. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (India's 11th President) was awarded the "Champion Technology" award in 2007, for his contribution to the success of India's technology and development.
In 2008 the BITE is looking forward to extending research activity in leading edge disciplines that include nano-technology and medical bio data.
Dr. Farmer left youths with two messages: Its time to wise up and look at what's happening around Newham. Don't get left behind as there are lots of opportunities to improve your skills available in Newham.
To small businesses Dr Farmers message is simple, get your product out there and it can be done from Newham. Use tools such as Newham.com to make people aware of what you have to offer.
