The Scholarship, worth £4500, has been set up in memory of Michael Moran who spent his career in the food industry and was a champion of the Welsh food producer.

It is being sponsored by Companies and individuals from within the food sector in Wales and also by the major Multiples who Michael was most associated with. The aim of the Scholarship is to offer financial support, mentoring and work experience to talented, local people throughout their studies.

This year's recipient Victoria is a first year Sports Management student at Glamorgan and is delighted to have been awarded the valuable prize.

The former Llanidloes High School pupil commented, "I feel unbelievably proud to have won a place on this Scholarship because I know that it will give me a unique opportunity to combine my education with real life work experience."

"Chris and Sam the previous recipients have set a very high standard both academically and professionally, however I am confident that with such an excellent support system around me I will gain all the skills I need to fulfill my true potential."

"Following my degree course I hope to go onto postgraduate study and then go straight into the advertising industry. I am ambitious and want to gain a good amount of experience working in a large organisation so that ultimately I can start my own marketing consultancy."

Gwyn Thomas of INSIGHT, together with Brian Jones, of Castell Howell Foods Ltd, both close friends and former colleagues of Michael, set up the Scholarship to celebrate Michael's contribution to the promotion of the food industry in Wales.

Mr Thomas commented, "Michael was immensely proud of the fine education, marketing and sales oriented training he received during his early days with the Nestle Company at their Rashleigh School. He would have been very proud to support local students through a similar education and apprenticeship at his local Business School at the University of Glamorgan.

"The Michael Moran Scholarship has funding available to ensure that selected students enjoy the very best that education can offer; thus taking Business Excellence on into their working life, for the good of Welsh business and Welsh life in general."
Those applying for the Scholarship must be intending to undertake a work placement with a Welsh Company during their course and must intend to use the course outputs to better the Welsh economy.

During his career, Michael was particularly proud to support the Welsh National Rugby team and his good friend Martyn Williams was delighted to support the Scholarship and was on hand to present Victoria with this year's award.

Martyn commented, "Mike was a true professional and a good friend and as such I am proud to be presenting Victoria with this Scholarship. Mike was enthusiastic about the power of education and I am sure that he would have been delighted that Victoria is such a worthy winner of this award in his name."

Lesley Long, Business Excellence Scheme Leader, commented, "We are delighted to be able to work with the Michael Moran Scholarship to give Victoria, Chris, Sam, and future winners, the chance to gain both the academic education and relevant work experience.

The first recipient Chris Last and last year's recipient Sam Squires continue to be supported academically and professionally by the Scholarship. Of the past year Chris commented "My development has really progressed during 2010 having worked with several businesses on key projects and attended several major events. There will be no let up in 2011 as it's my final year and I have secured a role with the 2012 London Olympics".

Sam has also benefitted greatly from his first year in the Scholarship stating "I have been supported with several Companies and worked at an International Exhibition at the NEC", Sam is really looking forward to 2011 as he said "It's a big year for me with several E-commerce, website and social media projects in the pipeline which will really cement my learning in this sector.