A former retail leader has been awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his service and impact.
Terry Hartwell, a former Morrisons executive and veteran in corporate real estate, with 25 years of board-level experience in FTSE 100 companies, has been named Doctor of the University by the University of Bradford.
The award was given in recognition of his “significant commitment and the impact he has made at the University”.
Mr Hartwell, who received the honour on 2 December, said: “I’m surprised, honoured and very humbled to receive this award, given the current and past recipients.
“We all hope we can make a difference, an impact, in our lives but it’s wonderful to have this recognised by others.”
Mr Hartwell began his career with Kingfisher, where he led the expansion of the B&Q division and later became group property director.
In that role, he oversaw a property portfolio stretching across nine countries in Europe and Asia, including 1,100 stores under brands such as Screwfix and TradePoint, and contributing to a turnover of £11 billion.
In 2009, he joined Morrisons as group property director and spent six years with the supermarket chain.
During that time, he directed the development of sustainable stores, introduced an estate-wide ‘smart’ energy management system, and led the rollout of more than 100 new stores across the UK.
Mr Hartwell now works in social housing, focusing on housing development with Peabody Housing Association in London, after time with Catalyst Housing.
He described his current work as “recycling unloved and derelict sites into new housing communities to be proud of”.
Mr Hartwell is a graduate of Bristol Polytechnic, holding a BSc (distinction) in Valuation and Estate Management.
He is also a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
He has been a member of the University of Bradford’s Council since 2015 and has served on the investment and remuneration committees, as well as chairing the finance committee.
Mr Hartwell also offered advice to this year’s graduates, saying: “I’ve always believed one of the best maxims in business, and in life, is to say what you’re going to do and do what you say – that way you will earn people’s trust and respect most quickly.
“They [graduates] have the opportunity to keep on learning every day.
“They should embrace this wholeheartedly.”
