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The Lowry’s Chairman, Rod Aldridge OBE has received further recognition for his work on behalf of young people with the announcement of a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.
A Chartered Public Accountant and an extremely successful entrepreneur; Sir Rodney Aldridge OBE is also deeply committed to education, and passionate in his commitment to equality of opportunity and access for all. When appointed Chairman five years ago, he highlighted how he found The Lowry’s social agenda particularly appealing as he’s a strong believer that a good education and an opportunity to develop are fundamental to a full and successful life.
The knighthood highlights the work of The Aldridge Foundation of which Rod is the Chairman and Founder. This educational charity sponsors entrepreneurial schools, with three Aldridge Community Academies already established – in Darwen, Brighton and Portslade. Plans for Academies in Kensington and Portland are also well under way.
Sir Rod Aldridge OBE said:
"I am delighted by this news and deeply honoured by the recognition of my work for young people - something which is of great importance to me. I am particularly proud that this highlights the work of The Aldridge Foundation, which aims to improve educational performance through the development of an entrepreneurial approach to life by young people."
“I do think that an entrepreneurial mindset gives people the life skills to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve, and take control of their life. We want our academies to give people opportunities they would otherwise not have.”
“We have a very exciting programme for 2012 and I am sure that this recognition can only help in developing the work of the Foundation and the Academies.”
The knighthood follows the Award made to Sir Rod for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the Education Investor Awards in November 2011, and a period in which the Aldridge Foundation and the academies have received a good deal of public recognition.*
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of The Lowry says, ““Rod’s commitment to The Lowry over the past five years has been magnificent, especially his support for our work in the community. This knighthood is fitting recognition of Rod’s tireless work giving young people greater aspirations and a better chance at achieving their true potential.”
Aldridge has a 40 year record of achieving improvements in public services through working in both the public and private sectors. He was responsible for the formation of Capita Group and its transformation from a public sector enterprise into a highly successful FTSE 100 company growing a workforce from 1 to 26,000 in 22 years. In 1994, he was awarded an OBE for services to the computer services industry. He is a former Chairman of the CBI’s Public Services Strategy Board.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Please contact Michelle Bowey, Head of Media Relations on 0161 876 2037 or michelle@thelowry.com
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