Veteran Bristol commercial property figure Grant Watson is to receive an honorary degree from UWE Bristol in recognition of his inspirational leadership, entrepreneurship and passion for the region.
The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science will be conferred on Mr Watson, pictured, at the awards ceremony of the Faculty of Environment and Technology on Monday at Bristol Cathedral.
Mr Watson, an OBE, has worked for Bristol property agents and chartered surveyors Alder King for 54 years. He was senior partner between 1977 and 2003 until when he took over his current role as chairman. During his career he has demonstrated his passion for Bristol and the developing region and continues to influence and support the development of the city and its prosperity.
He has made a significant impact on the continuing success of Alder King, working on projects such as Bristol Business Park, Bristol Airport and Temple Quay. In 2007 he received the South West Commercial Property Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
He has also worked tirelessly for numerous charitable, sporting and community organisations.
A fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he is the immediate past chairman of the South West Regional Board.
He was a director of Broadmead Board and is a trustee of ss Great Britain Trust. He has also been heavily involved in sport – he is chairman of the Coombe Dingle Trust, has chaired the Bristol Sports Partnership, served Clifton RFC as captain, chairman and president and also served on the Gloucestershire RFU executive.
