Marie Cooper, CEO of CBE+, has joined the board of trustees at Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST), pledging her support to preserve one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft, the Avro Vulcan XH558. This new appointment is set to strengthen the Trust's mission of inspiring future generations to uphold the UK’s proud heritage of jet aviation innovation.
The Avro Vulcan XH558, known as 'the Spirit of Great Britain', holds a special place in aviation history as the first successful large delta-winged aircraft, influencing ground-breaking developments such as Concorde and the Space Shuttle. Its contributions to engineering and aviation technologies continue to inspire those in the field today.
Marie Cooper also serves as a trustee at the Work-wise Foundation, a South Yorkshire-based charity that equips young people with the skills and opportunities needed for employment. The foundation's work includes developing training programmes, providing hands-on guidance, and linking employers with the future workforce.
Marie brings 15 years of engineering experience to the VTST. She leads Chesterfield-based precision engineering company CBE+, which was formed following the acquisition of BG Engineering in 2017, later followed by Nitec UK Ltd, Spire Laboratories, and Pentag Gears and Oilfield Equipment. In 2021, CBE+ further expanded with the addition of a Wire EDM facility, and in 2019, the company rebranded as CBE+ after integrating its acquisitions. Today, 10% of the company's workforce is comprised of apprentices, reflecting Marie’s commitment to fostering new talent.
Before her tenure at CBE+, Marie was the finance director at President Engineering Group Ltd, where she oversaw a 40% increase in turnover and a 37% rise in international sales.
Speaking of her appointment, Marie said: “I am very proud to join the board of the VTST and contribute to the future of the iconic XH558 aircraft while also promoting STEM skills. My motto is ‘together we do more’, which is reflected in my community involvement and support for charities like the Work-wise Foundation, where I serve as a trustee. Both organisations are dedicated to inspiring future generations into STEM careers, and I am honoured to play a part in that.”
Marc Walters, chief executive of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, expressed his enthusiasm about Marie’s appointment, saying: "We are thrilled to welcome Marie to our board of trustees. Her expertise in finance, strategic growth, and community engagement will be invaluable as we continue our mission to preserve the legacy of the Avro Vulcan XH558. Marie and CBE+ have supported VTST for many years, and we are delighted to formalise her role within the charity. Her insight will be crucial as we continue to promote STEM education and work towards the vision of our founder, the late Dr Robert Pleming.”