One of the most recognisable faces in Birmingham business has been given an honorary doctorate.

East End Foods director Jason Wouhra has been given an Honorary Doctor of Sciences degree from Aston University in recognition of his contribution to regional and national business, entrepreneurship and to his extensive charity and community work.

Mr Wouhra, the Institute of Directors' (IoD) regional chairman, is one of the youngest recipients of this honour.

He said he was "humbled" by the award and paid tribute to the many people who had supported him throughout his career.

"I could not have achieved this without the support of my family, my friends and the Birmingham business community, which operates in such a supportive and inclusive way," he said.

"It is truly an honour to learn that the university has recognised my contribution and put my name amongst such a distinguished list of previous honorary graduates who are all exceptional in their respective fields."

During his speech to Aston graduates, Mr Wouhra called on the graduates to be "innovative, daring and ambitious in all that they do and to stay hungry for success".

In presenting him with his doctorate, Professor Hart, who leads the university's small business and entrepreneurship programme, paid tribute to Mr Wouhra's commitment to the region on a number of fronts.

Mr Wouhra is a well-known through his work with the IoD and is also a former vice-chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and has been active in establishing closer links between business and the region’s universities.

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