University honours world leaders in property, cancer and economics

Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman and Co-Founder of property development company Urban Splash, will receive an honorary degree at The University of Manchester on Thursday (May 10).

The University will also honour world leaders in the fields of cancer research and economics.

Tom Bloxham studied a degree in politics at the University of Manchester, before entering property development. He was awarded an MBE for his services to architecture and urban regeneration in 1999.

He chairs Arts Council England (North West) and also sits on the Arts Council England and has advised the Government on property matters. Tom is also chair of the new Manchester International Arts Festival and chair of the IPPR Centre for Cities Think Tank.

The University will also award honorary degrees to:

Professor Alex Markham, outgoing Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, the largest cancer research non-governmental funding body in the world. Alex Markham is stepping down in order to return to Leeds University.

Prof. Dr. Werner Hildenbrand, Emeritus Professor of Economics at Bonn University. Werner Hildenbrand also holds honorary degrees from the Université Louis Pasteur in France and Bern University in Switzerland and he is an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Bob Herz, chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and one of the most influential figures in the accounting profession. Previously, Bob was a senior partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, who he joined in 1974 upon graduating from The University of Manchester with a B.A. in economics.

The ceremony, presided over by Sir Terry Leahy, Co-Chancellor of the University, will take place in the Whitworth Hall at The University of Manchester.

Notes to Editors:
Photocall: The Old Quad, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, at 12 noon, Thursday May 10

For further information: contact Jon Keighren, Media Relations Manager, on 0161 275 8384 or 07917 211537