A former operations director at Marston’s who champions businesses in Wolverhampton has been honoured by the city’s University.
Chair of Wolverhampton Business Champions, Philip Barnett, was presented with an Honorary Fellowship at a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 21 September 2016.
The award was presented by the University of Wolverhampton in recognition of Philip’sdedication through his professional career at Marston’s and his enthusiasm and input into the economic regeneration of the city through his work with Wolverhampton Business Champions.
He said:"I would like to thank the University of Wolverhampton for this award, it is a great honour to receive it. In my roles as Chairman of both the Business Champions and the Grand Theatre I have worked closely with the University on a number of projects. We are fortunate to have such a proactive organisation in the City making a significant contribution to the economic well-being of the area."
Philip was born in Wolverhampton and has worked in the city for the majority of his life. He recently retired as operations director for Marston’s PLC after 43 years of service.
Philip is a qualified brewer. During his time at Marston’s, he held a number of senior roles in various parts of the organisation including brewing, logistics, export, sales and retail. He was recently made a life member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling for his services to the brewing industry.
Philip believes passionately in supporting Wolverhampton and in 2012 was appointed chair of Wolverhampton Business Champions. The group is made up of some of the biggest strategic businesses in the city: Carillion, Carvers, Jaguar Land Rover, Liberty Industries Group, Marston’s, Moog, University of Wolverhampton, UTC Aerospace Systems and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
The role of the Business Champions is to work with the Council, local politicians and other key stakeholders to help make Wolverhampton a better place to live, work, invest and visit. In April of this year, Philip was appointed chair of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and is currently working with the new chief executive and board to attract more visitors to the Grand “through the magic of theatre”.
Philip is married and has three sons.
The award was presented at a Faculty of Social Sciences graduation ceremony at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
Honorary degrees are awarded by the University to high-profile figures that make a significant contribution to their field of expertise.