Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
David Parkin awarded honorary Master of Business Administration by Leeds Met
An experienced and respected journalist, David was the Business Editor of the Yorkshire Post from 2000 to 2007, responsible for its award-winning business pages. He expanded the newspaper's business coverage to include two weekly broadsheet supplements and high profile business events.
Backed by investors and funders, he launched TheBusinessDesk.com in November 2007 and it has since expanded into the North West and West Midlands. It is the only website dedicated to Yorkshire business news.
Speaking about receiving the award David said: "I feel very honoured and extremely flattered. It was a massive shock to be nominated for this award. When I got the letter I thought it was a hoax!
Giving advice to Leeds Met's students and graduates striving for a career in the media, he said: "I think journalism is one of the most exciting careers you can do. It's really, really competitive but I do think that anyone who is determined, can get experience, make contacts and is really enthusiastic can be successful. If you believe in yourself, you can go out there and achieve it."
David has held senior roles on newspapers in London, Cardiff and the Midlands, and has secured many exclusive interviews with major business figures including Sir Ken Morrison, Lord Hanson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
As a high profile figure in the business community he has built unrivalled contacts, David is often called upon to host and chair events and is regularly invited to offer his opinions on major business stories on national TV and radio.
Others receiving honorary degrees from Leeds Metropolitan include comedy writer and performer Barry Cryer OBE; Leeds businessman and charity activist, Edward Ziff and Olympic triathlon coach Malcolm Brown MBE.
Leeds Metropolitan University Vice Chancellor, Professor Susan Price, said: "We are delighted to recognise such a wide variety of individuals who have made a significant contribution to their field. This year's awards are particularly varied, with inspiring people from a range of backgrounds including business, arts, law, sport and the entertainment industry. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them to our Headingley Campus to celebrate with us as we recognise the achievements of our staff and graduating students."