We were extremely grateful to Old Hymerians Anna Longthorp (OH 1991-2001), Andrew Exon (OH 1971-80) and Jack Latus (OH 1998-2007) for giving us their time last month to speak at our Hymers C.A.N. event. The evening had a Business and Agriculture theme and was well attended by students and their families from Years 10-13.

Each of our former students shared their career journeys from Hymers to their present-day and gave lots of wise and valuable tips about taking every opportunity at Hymers, using the Hymers network and that Hymers stays with you - best friends/godparents/friends for life were spoke of from all of the Old Hymerian panel. Each of them shared a journey that wasn't their original path when at Hymers, however, each of them is now a successful business owner and spoke very highly and from the heart about how Hymers has shaped them, their work ethic, and their career so far.

We are extremely grateful for the support from our Old Hymerian community and the time they are giving our current student body. We are very fortunate to be able to draw on their expertise. Thank you.

Anna Longthorp (OH 1991-2001) is a free-range pig farmer turned meat wholesaler and retailer creating a sustainable supply chain from Field to Fork with a strong focus on education about where our food comes from, animal welfare, and the environment. She is also a campaigner for fairer, more transparent supply chains in the food sector.

Andrew Exon (OH 1971-80) left Hymers College embarking on a career in the retail automotive industry working with brands such as BMW, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and Toyota. At the start, it was a boyhood love of cars but very quickly became a love of business that drove him. 

Following thirty-five years in senior leadership roles Andrew started his own consultancy business, ExBow Limited in 2018 and now works with organisations to support change. With a focus on unlocking potential, they work with leaders and teams to be the very best version of themselves through bespoke coaching and mentoring programmes to help them navigate our volatile world.  

Working with clients in multiple sectors such as automotive, construction, IT, professional services, law and accountancy the opportunity to help people grow is one of his best sources of job satisfaction. 

Andrew is a strong advocate that “every day is a school day”, something that was pivotal to gaining an MSc in Retail Management at Loughborough University in 2007 and a Senior Practitioner with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. 

Looking back on his time at Hymers Andrew feels privileged to have attended the school. He believes the values, work ethic, friendships, and networks that were formed have been fundamental to his success. Even today, an important business relationship is with an old school friend.

Jack Latus (OH 1998-2007) is CEO of LATUS Health, one of the UK’s leading occupational Health and Wellness businesses which he founded in 2017. Jack didn’t take the typical route to being the leader of a healthcare business. He left Hymers after sixth form, straight into a 6-year rugby career before setting up the LATUS Gym in 2011. In 2017 LATUS pivoted from training some of the world’s top athletes to improving the wellness of some of the world's biggest brands including JP Morgan and Chase Bank, Sky, and Morrisons. LATUS is changing the occupational health industry through digital innovation.

The next event focuses on medicine and is to be held on Thursday 30 November 2023.  Please see below for the details of future C.A.N events.