Congratulations to the University of Hull graduates who have been named in the 2023 New Year Honours List.
The New Year Honours recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people for their contribution to public life and their commitment to serving and helping the UK.
Former minister and solicitor Helen Grant MP (LLB Law 1983) has been awarded an OBE for political and public service. Helen studied law at the University of Hull, qualifying in 1983 before going on to practise as a family solicitor and setting up Grants Solicitors in 1996.
Helen has been MP for Maidstone and The Weald since 2010, Minister for Justice 2012-13, Minister for Women and Equalities 2012-2014 (During which, Helen was one of the three ministers responsible for taking the ‘Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013’ through Parliament), and Minister for Sport and Tourism from 2013-2015, championing the growth of women and girls’ participation in sport in the UK. Helen is currently the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for girls' education.
Robert Elstone (BSc Economics 1985) has been awarded an MBE for services to sport. Robert’s high profile career in sport can be traced back to his time at University when he captained the University of Hull rugby league team to success in both the Universities’ Cup and Championship, before graduating and qualifying as a chartered accountant with Deloitte.
At Deloitte, Robert acted as an advisor to leagues, clubs and sports-related organisations on a range of strategic and commercial activities. He went on to be involved in the creation and branding of both the Scottish Premier League and the Super League, was CEO of Everton Football Club from 2008-18 and appointed as Super League Chief Executive in 2018, a position he held for three years. Robert is currently Non-Executive Chairman of National League side, Stockport County.
Robert Oliver (BA Economics, Politics & Sociology 1979) has been awarded an MBE for services to the construction-equipment-manufacturing sector. Rob is a director of Construction Equipment Events Ltd, Secretary to the Council of the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association, and Owner of Administration Services Ltd, a trade-association-management company. He retired as the Chief Executive of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) in 2021. Rob was President of the Student Union from 1979-80.
Congratulations also to our honorary graduate and founding member of Queen Brian May, who was presented with Doctor of Science, honoris causa at our summer graduation. Brian – celebrated guitarist, renowned songwriter, skilled producer and performer – was knighted in the New Year Honours.
Watch Robert Elstone talking about his time at the University of Hull