19.03.2026
Morson Group is proud to celebrate a decade-long partnership with the University of Salford, an impactful collaboration that has helped shape engineering and industrial talent across the region.
The milestone was marked at a special event attended by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Nic Beech; Morson Group Executive Chairman, Ged Mason OBE HonBDA; and Salford Mayor Paul Dennett. Hosted by journalist, broadcaster and University Chancellor Lucy Meacock, the event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to reflect on the power of long-term, place-based partnerships.
Held at the University’s state-of-the-art Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) and the Morson Maker Space, the event – titled Powering Progress in Salford – highlighted how collaboration between industry and academia can create real opportunities for local people.
During the evening, Ged was then presented with a commemorative book, celebrating the achievements of the partnership over the years. Click here to view the book
Investing in Future Talent
For the past 10 years, our partnership with the University of Salford has focused on building strong talent pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), supporting both regional growth and social mobility.
Through the Morson STEM Foundation, we’ve helped deliver a wide range of initiatives designed to widen participation and open doors for young people, including:
- The Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship programme
- The Go Beyond mentoring programme for female engineering students
- Support for Salford Racing
- Partnerships with IntoUniversity
- The Morson STEM Ambassador programme
- IGNITE summer schools
These initiatives are designed not only to develop technical skills, but to inspire confidence, ambition, and long-term career success.
The Morson Maker Space
A key part of our partnership is the Morson Maker Space—our flagship facility at the University of Salford.
This cutting-edge environment gives students hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools and technologies, including:
- 3D printing
- CAD design
- Laser cutting
- Digital fabrication
By creating a space where students from all disciplines can collaborate, innovate, and experiment, we’re helping to bridge the gap between education and industry.
The Gerry Mason Scholarship Legacy
Launched in 2015 by the Mason family and supported by Morson Group, the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship honours our founder’s legacy by investing directly in future talent.
To date, the programme has supported more than 70 students, providing:
- Financial support
- Industry placements
- Skills development opportunities
Many scholars have gone on to build successful careers—including within Morson itself.
Previous Morson Scholar James Kelly now has a successful career. He said:
“Receiving the Gerry Mason Scholarship was a turning point in my life. Through the programme, I gained invaluable industry experience with Morson, which led to the start of my career and shaped the path I’m on today.
“Ten years on, I’ve progressed to a Senior Contract and Project Manager within Morson and recently completed a Master’s in Construction Law. These achievements stem directly from the opportunities and support the scholarship provided, and I’ll always be grateful not only for the impact on my career, but for the confidence and belief it gave me along the way.”
Supporting Salford’s Future
The event also featured discussions with students, educators, and community leaders on the importance of widening access to opportunities and ensuring equality in education and career pathways.
Speakers explored how long-term partnerships like ours can create meaningful change—supporting local communities while helping businesses develop future-ready skills.
Professor Nic Beech said:
“Marking this decade long partnership with the Mason family and Morson Group is a tremendous honour and pleasure. Working together we have created something genuinely unique which has brought huge benefits to our students and graduates and to the city as a whole.
“With Ged and the Mason family being from Salford, and with Morson being founded in their home in Eccles, they are incredibly passionate about our city, working tirelessly to help create a better future through education and skills development.
“This partnership embodies everything that is so special about Salford – passion, determination, generosity and a clear commitment to championing local talent. It is a wonderful example of our commitment to enabling our students to flourish and contribute to society, and we look forward to it continuing into the next decade.”
Ged Mason, Group CEO at Morson, commented:
“It is essential for the future of key growth sectors that we invest in tomorrow’s talent today, which has been the key goal of the Morson STEM Foundation and our partnership with the University of Salford for the past 10 years.
“As we step into another decade of working with the University to shape, support and encourage STEM talent, I am enormously proud of what’s been achieved, but also very focused on what lies ahead. This is a time of change and challenges, so partnerships like the one between Morson and the University of Salford will be critical in both delivering opportunity and nurturing future-ready skills.”
Dr Maria Stukoff, Director of the Morson Maker Space at the University of Salford, said:
“Celebrating ten years of the Morson Maker Space is a celebration of people, curiosity and possibility. What started as a workshop where ideas could quickly become reality has grown into a vibrant community, a destination for experimentation, learning and collaboration, with students at its heart. Over the past decade thousands of learners have gained practical skills, confidence, and a creative, problem-solving mindset to succeed. In the next ten years we will open our doors even wider, amplify diverse voices and turn even bolder ideas into accessible innovation.”
As we look to the future, our partnership with the University of Salford remains central to our mission: investing in people, supporting communities, and building the skills needed for tomorrow’s industries.
We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved over the past decade—and even more excited about what comes next.
Find out more about the Morson STEM Foundation and its impact on STEM skills in the region here
