Life at Guildford College
George Cook completed his Business Studies HND at Guildford College in 1977. He has had a highly successful career in business and the charity sector since leaving college.
George said: “I really enjoyed my time at college. It was years later that I began to reflect and realised how much I learnt and how much it influenced where I am today.”
“Some of my favourite memories include learning how to program in COBOL, a computer programming language designed for business use, on a main frame that filled a large room, using punched cards and paper tape with hard drives the size of a washing machine.”
Life after college
After taking a gap year to work on a ranch in Colorado, George began working as a salesman, eventually being headhunted by Mitsui & Co and becoming a commodity trader in the City of London.
George was able to retire early and decided to devote himself to charity work. He founded multiple charitable organisations such as Relief Aid Logistics, Voluntary Sector Centres and The Cook Foundation UK.
George has also dedicated much his time to inventing and has 17 inventions to date.
One of his most notable inventions is AirDropBox, which enables air delivery of humanitarian aid and logistics support to areas without transport infrastructure at low cost, using commonly available air transport.
He is now Chief Executive of Computers 4 Charity, an organisation that rebuilds and upgrades used computers to help people in need, such as young carers, homeless youth, unemployed veterans, bereaved forces children and local schools.
Proudest achievements
“There are many things in my career that I’m pleased about” George said.
“I am still surprised how I become a commodity trader in the city, and looking back I’m glad that I chose to change my career path and do something more meaningful by doing charity work.
“I have also had the privilege to work with His Majesty King Charles III as part of his Business Emergency Recovery Group (BERG) in Business in the Community (BITC). I like him as a person, I feel that he is genuine.”
“Another moment for which I am grateful was when His Majesty commended me and the Cook Foundation UK at the Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards on 8 July 2014 at The Royal Albert Hall in front of several thousand of the UK’s top business leaders.
“Best of all, when he invited me to tea with just him and his secretary on my birthday at St James’ Palace one year. A great guy.”
Advice for college leavers
After years of experience in the industry, George had some words of wisdom to share with college leavers.
“Remember to be open minded. If something isn’t working, don’t let it get you down,” he said.
“You can always change your path. Keep trying and something will come along and just click, like it has for me after several false starts.”