Honorary doctorate for former Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire

A Sheffield university has awarded a former Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire an honorary doctorate.
David MoodyDavid Moody
David Moody

David Moody was given the title by Sheffield Hallam University on the first day of its graduation ceremonies at the City Hall on Monday.

"I am honoured to be receiving it; it’s a very exciting moment," he said.

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"I have been to a number of these ceremonies in my role as Lord Lieutenant but it's very different to be receiving an award.

"I want to congratulate the students that are graduating and wish them the very best of luck as they go out into the wide world and find their way.

"My advice would be to make the most of their training but what ultimately matters is having some wisdom and an open mind and they will be fine."

David began a long career in the steel industry as a graduate apprentice at United Steels in Sheffield in 1963. He saw nationalisation of the industry in 1967, and served a further eight years with British Steel at their local Stocksbridge base.

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He went on to hold senior positions in the steel industry including chairman and managing director of Spartan Sheffield where he oversaw the UK's first management buyout in 1981.

In 1998, David became president of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he remained a council member until 2015.

He led a successful campaign to persuade Sheffield Council to invest in the city, including improving the main approach into the city centre via the Parkway.

He was appointed High Sheriff of South Yorkshire in 2003 and towards the end of the year-long post he was invited to take up the role of Lord Lieutenant, assuming office in April 2004.

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During his 11-year tenure he hosted 64 royal visits to the county including two by the Queen.

After stepping down from his role as Lord Lieutenant in 2015, he was given the honour of Freeman of the Borough of Barnsley, where he has lived for all but two years of his life.

David received his honorary doctorate for outstanding public service alongside hundreds of students who were graduating from the University's Business School.

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