BIRMINGHAM-born Lord Digby Jones spoke about the UK economy in the face of globalisation, before being presented with the Institution of Structural Engineers’ Honorary Fellowship and prestigious Maitland medal.

The talk, titled Challenges of the world economy, addressed current issues facing the UK economy to an audience of local businesspeople and members of the Institution of Structural Engineers.

In his talk, Lord Jones tackled a set of complex themes, discussing the impact of poor education, social mobility and maximising UK exports.

Lord Jones, who has received numerous accolades, is currently an active crossbencher in the House of Lords, as well as chairman of the International Business Advisory Board at British Airways, chairman of Triumph Motorcycles Limited, chairman of Grove Industries, senior adviser to HSBC and is corporate ambassador for Jaguar Cars and JCB, among others.

The Maitland lecture, which this year took place at the Hyatt Regency on Broad Street, Birmingham, is an annual event in which a person of distinction is invited to speak on an aspect of contemporary affairs.

It was the first time the Maitland lecture was held in the city, hometown of the Institution of Structural Engineers’ president, John Nolan. As part of the award Lord Digby was presented with a cheque of £2,500, which he donated to Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer.