Bolton’s brightest business stars are among those to be honoured by the town’s University.
Each year, at University of Bolton degree congregation ceremonies, graduating students are joined by special guests who are awarded honorary degrees for their outstanding talents.

Who will receive honours this year is still under wraps – the names of the people to receive awards will not be made public until June.

But at the summer degree congregation ceremonies last year, Bolton-born entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star, Hilary Devey, was among those receiving honorary doctorates for their talents.
Hilary Devey was joined by Tony Keating, who studied Automotive Engineering at the University and recently graduated with an MBA. His studies helped his work in developing his own business.

Electromech Engineering Services Ltd specialises in diesel power generation and has clients across Europe, Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Tony still has a passion for cars – he has developed his own supercars with Keating Supercars and is planning to take on a land-speed record later this year.

Also receiving an honorary doctorate last summer was David Kaye, Managing Director of bottling and packaging company Krones UK. David has received two lifetime achievement awards by the Process and Packaging Machinery Association and the British Bottlers Institute for his services to industry, but was honoured on this occasion for his commitment to his community.

In 1990 he relocated Krones from Salford to the small village of Wingates, here in Bolton and the firm bonds he forged between the company and the local community persist to this day. One of his most noteworthy achievements was saving Wingates Band, formed in 1873, from closure due to lack of funds. David pledged Krones sponsorship for competitions and albums and since 1991 has served as committee member, PR manager, trustee and now president as well as fund raiser, project manager, events organiser and historian.

Each year honours are bestowed by the University to individuals who have excelled in their own field, whether that is for their professional excellence or for their commitment to community or charity work. The Honorary Awards Committee considers recommendations for honours from staff, students and the wider community.

Said Head of Bolton Business School, Lisa Cove-Burrell: ‘We are delighted to have so many strong business leaders already associated with the Business School, through the University.

‘Bolton has an enviable reputation for the strength of its business community and for business leaders who do so much for the communities around them. We look forward to working closely with them.

‘The University welcomes nominations from the public and so anyone can put forward a person they believe deserves those honours.’

Nominations should be put in writing and sent to the Secretary of the Honorary Awards Committee, University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB.