Bucks New University council member, accountant Brian Callaghan, has received an honorary fellowship from Buckinghamshire New University in recognition of his steadfast support for the University and his professional expertise in contributing to the success of the University’s campus consolidation.

 

Brian was amongst a distinguished gathering of individuals who were honoured at Bucks New University's graduation ceremonies held at the Wycombe Swan theatre from 7-11 September.

 

Brian has been a member of the University’s Council for eight years and during this period he has played a significant role in the complex arrangements relating to the expansion and modernisation of the High Wycombe campus, including the construction of the new state-of-the-art Gateway building, and the securing of a new campus in Uxbridge for the delivery of nursing programmes.

 

Brian qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1970 and joined his present firm, now Chantrey Vellacott DFK, in 1971. He was appointed a partner in 1974 and subsequently held various management and development posts before being elected senior partner of the firm in 1990, a position he held for 12 years. He now acts as consultant to the firm. Brian was chairman of the Accounting and Audit Committee of DFK International, the major international accounting network, and of a regional training board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He was also a member of the Institute’s Training Standards Committee. 

 

In his professional work, Brian is a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, specialising in cross-border insolvencies and the discreet rescue of distressed businesses. He is also a share and business valuation specialist, and acts as expert witness on valuation issues in High Court cases.

 

Brian lived in South Buckinghamshire for over thirty years and throughout that period was active in a variety of local parish organisations and charities. In the field of education, he was Chairman of Governors of St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in High Wycombe and is presently a governor of Pipers Corner School at Great Kingshill. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Launderers. Brian now lives in Spain with his wife, Lesley.

Around 1,500 Buckinghamshire New University students received their degree certificates in the presence of family and friends at eleven ceremonies held at the Wycombe Swan theatre last week.

 

Brian said: “I am fortunate to have been a Council member in a period of such significant progress for the University. Notably, full university status was attained, and campus consolidation reached fruition after years of effort from all involved in the project. It is especially fulfilling that the Gateway building has emerged as such a powerful beacon of the University's modernity and ambition. The University is in good health, has innovative plans for advancing academically, and is well-placed to take advantage of opportunities for growth in the future. I wish it well, and value enormously the award of an honorary fellowship."