Sir Gershon visits Welwyn Garden City school

A TOP British businessman visited a WGC school to talk to pupils.

Sir Frederic Osborn students were treated to hear how Sir Peter Gershon ‘made it’ from being an average pupil at a state school, to becoming knighted by the Queen.

The former Conservative advisor, who is now the chairman of the National Grid, spoke of how it wasn’t until he took his A-levels, that he found excellence and was advised to apply for Cambridge. kk

He was granted a place and met his wife while at the uni.

Sir Peter explained to the students that there never had been a “big plan” for success – he just wanted a better quality of life than that of his parents, and wanted to be in a challenging job.

When he left the uni, he set his ambitions on doing that – by joining the emerging computing industry, before later being asked to work for a defence organisation.

He told the youngsters at the Herns Lane school that he took a personal approach to business, with the motto that “customers make paydays”, and travelled the globe to better understand what customers felt needed to be developed in communicational equipment.

During his career he has also helped design and build many naval ships, while he has also helped the Government with policies.

“I like problem solving,” he told students, emphasising his interest in solving issues that do not have “textbook answers”.

Upon leaving his work with the Government after four years, he received the honour of a knighthood.

A school spokesman said: “This visit and speaking with students was the first that Sir Peter has ever made. He seemed at ease, and everyone present felt inspired by all that he has achieved.

“He answered a multitude of questions from students after giving his talk, and was friendly and informative.”