John Kirkland OBE, has been given a Special Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the East Midlands’ property industry and to the region’s wider economic prosperity.
The accolade was announced and presented at the East Midlands’ Property Dinner in Nottingham, which was attended by many leading figures in the East Midlands’ property market.
Mr Kirkland has worked in the construction industry for 45 years.
He joined Bowmer & Kirkland, which was started by his grandfather in 1923, in 1967 when the turnover was £1 million.
Appointed MD in 1976 and Chairman in 1980, he has led the company to become one of the largest privately-owned construction companies in the UK with a turnover now of over £700 million.
Passionate about education and training, he is Chairman of the East Midlands’ Learning and Skills Council – the importance of this was emphasised during the speech of commendation at the dinner.
He is President of the East Midlands Centre for Constructing the Built Environment – an important initiative for the construction industry – focusing on addressing skills related issues.
In 1997 he was responsible for the creation of Derby City Housing Regeneration Limited, a joint venture with Derby City Council for the refurbishment of derelict council property to create affordable housing for the homeless.
He is a Governor of Landau Forte College in Derby and has recently been appointed President of Derby County Football Club after a long association with the club as a Director from 1981 until 2002.
Gary Church, Executive Dinner Chairman and one of the judges of the award, said: "There are many successful people in the East Midlands but it is felt that John puts so much back into the region from which he has benefited, that he is very well deserving of this accolade."
