Poundland founder awarded honorary degree from hometown university

THE man who helped found Black Country-based discount retail chain Poundland has been presented with an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

David Dodd, who co-founded the shopping group, has been awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to the economy of the region.

He said: “I have been fortunate enough to have received several industry awards, but none of them have given me as much satisfaction as this Honorary Degree.

“To be acknowledged by The University of Wolverhampton, in my home town, is truly an honour.

“It’s great that we take the time out to celebrate success and the wonderful contribution made to the area by so many people.”
 
Born in Blakenhall, Mr Dodd set up Poundland in 1990, eventually leading a management buyout of the firm in 2002. He then went on to double the size of the business and treble the profits before retiring from the operation in 2007.

He now spends his time assisting start-up and SME businesses and is an investor in affordable housing projects.