Hanley chief to receive university honour

THE man in charge of Hanley Building Society for almost a decade will receive an honorary doctorate from Staffordshire University next week.

Since joining the mutual in 2002, David Webster, originally from east Scotland, has led the mutual through its landmark 150-year anniversary and championed the society to the region’s business community.

The Hanley has recently moved to new premises on Festival Park, in Stoke, and it now employs 65 people across six branches.

Mr Webster is also chairman of the Building Societies’ Association and was a member of the former Staffordshire University Business Forum.

Prior to joining The Hanley, the 51-year-old spent 12 years at Bradford and Bingley rising to the role of director.

The award has been bestowed upon him for his contribution to the Staffordshire business community and for his leadership of the building society.

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Also receiving awards at ceremonies throughout next week are Philip Stimpson, chief executive and founder of Rugby-based Mediwatch which develops medical products, former Staffordshire University vice-chancellor Christine King CBE and Rob Pritchard, group IT director of drinks manufacturer Britvic.

Mr Webster said: “I have absolutely loved my time here. I’m particularly interested in the connection between academia and business. We need to make the most of universities because they are invaluable to business.

“The people I worked with on the forum were very engaging, open to fresh thinking and building links with businesses. I am absolutely thrilled to be receiving the award. It is an honour and privilege to accept.”