The driving force behind Linwood-based heavyweight logistics company Malcolm Group has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Andrew Malcolm MBE, CEO of the 100-year-old Scottish family firm, was recognised as part of the university's winter graduations at a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey on Wednesday, November 15.

Under his leadership, Malcolm Group has transformed into a major nationwide player in the logistics sector.

During his tenure, the workforce has nearly doubled to just over 2,000 people, with multiple generations of families employed.

This year, Andrew's knowledge and experience led to him being awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List.

Alongside his many business achievements, Andrew and the company support many charities, including the Beatson Cancer Centre, where he is an ambassador. 

The Gazette:

He also sits on the board of the Wise Group, a social enterprise working to lift people out of poverty.

Johnny Mone, head of business innovation at UWS, in delivering his citation outlined Andrew's inspirational career to date, as well as his commitment to people and place at a local and national level. 

Andrew said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate from UWS. 

"While it is wonderful to be recognised, it always comes back to the fact I have a phenomenal team around me in a business I am very passionate about. 

"It is extra special to receive this honour from my local University, which offers employer-focussed degrees. I am delighted to say many of its alumni thrive in our business today."

Award-winning broadcaster Anna Magnusson, who has worked in radio for more than 30 years, received an Honorary Doctorate from UWS during a ceremony on Tuesday, November 14.

The Gazette:

She is also the author of four books of non-fiction, including a biography of Vicky Jack, the oldest British woman to summit Mount Everest.

Anna has also written the history of the Quarriers charity - formerly Quarriers Homes - in Bridge of Weir.

Stephanie Pitticas, Vice-Principal (Internationalisation) at UWS, in delivering Anna's citation outlined her impressive career to date and in particular the importance of the art of storytelling. 

Anna said: "It's a great honour for me to receive this degree from UWS. 

"I've had a long-standing link with Renfrewshire through writing the history of the Quarriers charity. 

"As a radio producer and presenter with over 30 years' experience, I'm delighted to be part of a University which trains future broadcast journalists."