Honorary degrees awarded at the University of Bristol – Friday, 17 July

David Ord

17 July 2015

The University of Bristol is awarding an honorary degree to David Ord at a degree ceremony taking place today [17 July] in the Wills Memorial Building.

David Ord, the co-owner and Managing Director of the Bristol Port Company, is being awarded a Doctor of Laws degree.

Having studied Economics at UCL, David joined his family’s ship broking business in Teesside before purchasing the Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Dock from Bristol City Council in 1991 with Terence Mordaunt.

Since privatisation the company has invested over £450 million to create a modern, thriving business offering the full range of shipping, distribution and logistics services. It now employs over 500 people and handles some 11 million tonnes of cargo a year.

David served as a lay member of the University of Bristol’s Council for nine years, during which time he was also Chair of the Finance Committee for seven years.

An honorary degree is a major accolade, awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinction in a field or activity consonant with the University’s mission.

Further information

The official photographs and speeches delivered by the public orators at each ceremony are available to the media on request from the University's Press Office. Please email philippa.walker@bristol.ac.uk.