Mike Peasland of Balfour Beatty

Mike Peasland (pictured), of Balfour Beatty and distinguished academic Professor Peter Brandon OBE, who set up the University’s world-leading School of the Built Environment, received their degrees alongside hundreds of graduates on 18 July.

The Chief Executive of UK Construction Services at Balfour Beatty, Mike was awarded a doctorate of science for his work in the construction industry over more than 40 years. He is currently also Chair of Balfour Beatty’s worldwide sustainability strategy group, Chair of The Prince’s Trust Construction and Business Services Leadership Group, and a member of the Executive Committee of the UK Contractors’ Group.

He said: “I am truly honoured to accept this honorary doctorate of science today. It has been a great pleasure to work in this exciting industry for over 40 years and to see how it has continually evolved and improved from the way we approach projects through collaboration and innovation through to the approach to health and safety and training and development for our people.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside many talented individuals from Balfour Beatty, our supply chain, our customers and our partners.

“I look forward to continuing Balfour Beatty’s partnership with the University of Salford as part of the industry wide-drive towards ensuring the long term sustainability of our sector.”

Head of the School of the Built Environment, Professor Mike Kagioglou said: “It is a privilege having Mike accepting this doctorate. Mike exemplifies the ethos of the School of the Built Environment which is about excellence, addressing the needs of today and tomorrow and preparing professionals to become leaders of the future.

“His passion for sustainability, working with academia and leading the unfolding digital revolution is key to the long term sustainability of our sector.”

Professor Peter Brandon OBE also gained a doctorate of the University, celebrating his service to the academic community, specifically in the establishment of the built environment as a legitimate subject for academic study and research. In 1990 he set up the internationally-renowned School of the Built Environment at Salford (then known as the Department of Surveying) and in 2010 he was awarded an OBE for services to the built environment.

Professor Kagioglou said of Professor Brandon’s award: “This recognition is but a small token for the tremendous contributions Peter has made to the built environment subject.

“Since the mid-80s he has been the driving force behind Salford's evolution from a very small unit to a world leading research-led school that is providing global leadership and has excelled in numerous research assessments.”

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