Sir Rod Aldridge has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration by the University of Salford for his impact on public service innovation, social entrepreneurship and youth opportunity.

Best known for founding Capita in 1984 and growing it into a FTSE 100 business, Aldridge has since focused much of his work on education and social mobility through the Aldridge Foundation, established in 2006.

The foundation now supports schools and colleges in areas facing significant disadvantage.

He also has deep ties to Salford through roles including 18 years as chair of The Lowry and involvement in bringing UTC provision to the city.