Diane Savory OBE receives honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire

Diane Savory, OBE, Chair of the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has received an Honorary Award from the University of Gloucestershire.

Diane was presented with her award by the University's Vice-Chancellor Stephen Marston at the third day of Graduation ceremonies at The Centaur, Cheltenham. She is now an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy.

After working in a number of smaller fashion and retail shops, she joined Cult Clothing, the predecessor of Supergroup PLC. Rapidly progressing through the organisation, Diane became its Chief Operating Officer, transforming the company from a small local enterprise to the distinctive nationwide fashion retailer which it is today. In March 2010 she led SuperGroup PLC to full flotation on the London Stock Exchange and into the FTSE 250 with the company receiving the Award for the Best Initial Public Offering in Europe in 2010.

Diane's passion had now expanded to all aspects of the business, wanting to develop, grow and get the most from individuals and business alike. She has mentored a number of businesses to help them succeed in today's challenging environment and is a board member for a number of organisations. Diane is focused on Gloucestershire and is currently the Chair of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, leading it to achieve trailblazer status at Central Government level in Retail. She has created a board representative of all areas of business, together with its various sectors combining with education to help promote, develop and grow Gloucestershire. Diane also represents Gloucestershire as part of the Retail Policy Forum for Government to help regenerate our High Streets.

On presenting her award, the Vice-Chancellor said: "She has mentored a number of businesses and is a board member for several organisations. She has been named Gloucestershire Businesswoman of the Year. And in June this year, she was awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for her contribution to business and the retail sector. She has done all of this with warmth, determination, passion, shrewdness, good humour, and unflagging energy and optimism. Truly she is a role model and an inspiration. And it is for all of that that we are delighted to honour her today."

Diane said: "I am making all this sound easy - it wasn't. There were many highs and lows and sleepless nights but it was the passion I had for fashion, retail and business that saw me through, alongside commitment and a desire to succeed, even when things were not going according to plan."