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Roy Richardson receives Honorary Doctorate

Updated: Jun 25, 2021

Roy Richardson has been honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Worcester.


He received the academic award on Thursday at a special graduation ceremony held in Worcester Cathedral, which was founded in 680 AD.


The doctorate recognises the material economic impact of the family business he founded with his twin brother Don in the first half of the 20th century.


For the past 25 years the business has been led and developed by his sons Martyn, Lee and Carl while Roy enjoys the role of Life President. Today it has an expanding growth capital and real estate portfolio that stretches from North America to Australasia, and has been responsible for the creation of many thousands of jobs. A recent example of their investment can been seen at the West Midlands Designer Outlet Village, a £160 million development that opened in April and has already created nearly 1,000 jobs in the region.


Roy, 91, has lived in Worcestershire for many years and continues to make an active contribution to the business and charitable sectors across the region.


Dr Tim Jones, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Worcester, said:

“Roy is acknowledged to be one of the most influential, inspiring and generous businessmen of his generation.

“His family’s impact to the regional and national economy is significant, creating jobs and building communities. It is the university’s absolute delight to recognise him with a Doctorate for all that he and his family have achieved.”


Dr Roy Richardson, said:

“I’m delighted to receive this prestigious honour from the University of Worcester. It means so much that it comes from the area where I now live and on the doorstep of where the business was first built.

“My sincerest thanks to the university for recognising my family and I in this way. I’m proud that the business continues to go from strength to strength, testament to the hard work and dedication of many long-serving staff along with the leadership of my sons, and that the Richardson name continues to be an active player in the UK and across the world.”

Dr Roy Richardson with Dr Tim Jones, the acting Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Worcester

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