News Archive

OBE for Durham MBA alumna

(25 November 2011)

Durham Business School MBA alumna Cath Purdy, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Local Government. Cath received her award, part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, from his Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace this month (November 2011).

A Durham Business School MBA graduate from 2002, Ms Purdy worked in the housing sector for two decades before being appointed Group Chief Executive at the Vela Group, which embraces Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes in Stockton, when it was formed last December.

Ms Purdy, commented: "The honour is a reflection of the workforce at Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes and the fantastic work they have done to improve local communities.

"It also is testament to the valuable contribution that social housing landlords make to people’s lives and the fabric of their communities and neighbourhoods."