Two members of University community recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Milan Shah, chair of the board of governors at the University of Northampton, has received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2014 and Paul Southworth, fellow of the University, an OBE. Both had recently retired from the Board of Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership after a decade working together to promote economic development locally.

Mr Shah, who joined the University as a governor and trustee in August 2008, became the Chairman of its governing body in August 2011. Mr Shah is a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, specialising in governance. He received his honour in recognition of his services to business and the community in the East Midlands. A former President of Northamptonshire Chamber, he spoke passionately about the county’s future, commenting: “After many years of preparatory work by a wide range of partners in both the public and private sectors, at last Northampton and its county are seeing a momentum of delivery in regeneration that is unmatched within the country. The vision of local authorities, especially the county council, in empowering the county’s business community is now delivering its economic development dividend.”

Mr Southworth, who had previously served as a governor of Nene College, a predecessor institution to the University of Northampton, received his honour for services to business, the arts and the community in Northamptonshire. In addition to chairing Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, he has been chair of the Royal and Derngate Theatres.

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, commented: “Our University relies for its governance on high calibre volunteers from the local community and beyond, and I am therefore delighted to congratulate both Milan Shah and Paul Southworth on the recognition of their services in the recent honours list.”

The Queen’s Birthday Honours lists recognise the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the UK. This year, 1,149 people received an award; 474 at MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and 227 at OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) level.