Chester businessman Adam Dandy has received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to local communities, particularly his work with ShareShops UK.
With his wife Clare, Adam owns the UK’s oldest landscape supply business, dandys.com, founded by his fourth great-grandfather James Dandy in 1826 and now celebrating its 200th anniversary, providing employment to over 30 local families.
James Dandy, originally from Tarleton, moved his family to Chester and set up his stall in Chester’s Market Hall Square, to sell his family farm’s home-grown fruit and vegetables for the first time.
Today, Dandy’s is run by Adam and Clare, their son Lewis, and in the future, daughter Lauren.
Adam, who is also a community campaigner and philanthropist, was presented with the accolade at a graduation ceremony held by The University of Chester at the city’s historic Cathedral.
Alongside his business work, Adam is a founder and Chair of SHARE (Supporting Homeless Assisting Refugees Everywhere), a Chester-based charity with over 130 volunteers supporting people who are homeless and those seeking refuge.
Through initiatives such as the ShareShops in Chester and Mold and the SHARE Homeless Action Centre – where up to 50 people who are homeless are fed and cared for each day – the charity provides practical support, community projects, addiction support, and pathways into accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in the North West and North Wales.
Adam is passionate about Chester and believes strongly in the power of community, volunteering and local action to improve people’s lives. He also serves as a governor at The Queen’s School in Chester.
He said: “It was a real honour to be recognised by the University of Chester. Over the years I saw first-hand the kindness, energy and commitment of the University’s students and staff through their support for people who are homeless in our city.
“I am proud to say that my hometown of Chester is a uniquely remarkable place and the University plays a huge role in shaping its future, so this meant a great deal to me.”
Also receiving an honorary degree was Esther Ghey, a mental health campaigner and founder of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project, a community interest company working to improve the mental health of young people and families.
After the tragic loss of her daughter, Brianna Ghey, Esther has campaigned for better protections for young people online and for mindfulness in schools.
Esther received an Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the mental health of young people and their families, particularly her work with Peace and Mind UK.
She is the author of Under a Pink Sky, co-host of the Parents Vs the Internet podcast, and appeared in the ITV documentary Brianna – A Mother’s Story. Through her work, Esther continues to advocate for safer, more empathetic spaces online, in schools, and in society.
She said: “To be awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Chester was a profound honour. It represented not only recognition of my work, but also a tribute to my daughter Brianna’s legacy, whose life and spirit continue to inspire positive change. I accepted this honour with deep gratitude, humility and pride.”
Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “We were proud to honour our distinguished guests, Esther Ghey and Adam Dandy, whose exceptional achievements and contributions have made a meaningful impact within our region and far beyond.”
