Prestigious new role for leading engineer

Sep 4 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN engineering entrepreneur who set up what became a £30m-plus business from his home has been appointed to a prestigious professorship at Newcastle University Business School.

Dr Tony Trapp will pass on his knowledge to students during his year as the David Goldman Visiting Professor of Business Innovation.

A Newcastle University graduate himself, Dr Trapp set up the Engineering Business in 1997 and the company, which designs, manufactures and supplies systems for the offshore oil and gas, submarine telecom, defence and renewables industries, was recognised as The Journal’s Fastest Growing Company in the North East last year.

He remains managing director of the Riding Mill-based company, which was bought by Dutch shipbuilder IHC Merwede in March and renamed IHC Engineering Business. IHC has five shipyards in the Netherlands.

“They build the ships and we build the equipment to go on the ships,” said Dr Trapp. “It’s a marriage made in heaven.”

As the David Goldman Visiting Professor, Dr Trapp says he aims to inspire a new generation of engineers. With more than a third of IHC’s 150-strong workforce in their 20s, the company has a policy of employing graduates. Giving fresh talent the opportunity to blossom is obviously a key facet of his philosophy.

“Sadly, the engineering and manufacturing industry has been in decline in the North East and this is something which I hope to influence during my appointment,” he said.

“We must attract more entrepreneurial businesses in the engineering sector to our region and reignite our proud heritage in innovative marine related engineering.

“As a region we need to retain our best graduates and offer them the opportunity to work in exciting and challenging jobs. This can widen the opportunities for many in the North East workforce helping to provide more jobs with real dignity. I hope that during my appointment I can have some influence on this.”

His duties as visiting professor will include working with Newcastle University’s Business School to provide leadership and mentoring to students. He will also deliver the David Goldman Business School lecture at the annual dinner in November.

“What this area is about is the technology of the future - that’s what Tyneside should be doing,” said Dr Trapp.

“The North East is much too dependent on taxpayers’ money. What this region needs to do is earn its money from the outside world.

“We are a tiny example of this but it is a demonstration of what can be done. Wellstream is a good example of this.”

John Leopold, acting director and head of Newcastle University Business School, said: “As founder and committee member of Subsea North East and successful businessman, it is apparent that Tony is an ideal candidate.

“His commitment to the region, his industry and the professionals of tomorrow position him as a perfect role model for our students.”

The David Goldman Visiting Professorship was created as a memorial to David Goldman, one of the founders of software giant The Sage Group, who died in 1999.