Honorary Fellowship at UWTSD

John’s Honorary Fellowship at UWTSD On 5th July 2022, our founder, John Burns MBE, was made an Honorary Fellow of University of Wales Trinity Saint David, for his Outstanding Service to the Community. Chief of Staff for the University, Shone Hughes, presented John with his Honorary Fellowship for his support of charities and entrepreneurial innovation. Upon receiving his award, John said: “I’m very honoured to receive this award today – it really is a great surprise to be here as well as a great pleasure, and I’d like to endorse the advice that was given today. They do say that genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration; I think it’s important to work hard when you have an idea.” Burns Pet food has been trading for nearly 30 years, is an accredited Living Wage UK Employer, paying high wages and became the first UK pet food business to pay the real Living Wage. The company employs over 140 people across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as 13 members staff who work for the charity Burns in the Community. In 2007, John launched his own charity, The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation. Prior to this, Burns had already been generously donating to charities. However, the charity status formalised John’s vision to improve the lives of people and pets across the UK. The charity aims to help enhance the lives of disadvantaged people, by offering practical recreational facilities and life skill opportunities, as well using the arts, the outdoors and events to bring enjoyment to the whole community. Burns By Your Side is John’s flagship reading with dogs project and is aimed at children of all ages to help with reading and communication skills. The Better Tomorrow programme helps children, young people and adults who may be at risk of social isolation and offers a range of recreational activities, that are designed to develop and enhance valuable life skills. Burns in the Community provides support for individuals who have the potential to become socially excluded and works with local community groups and a whole host of social organisations. From all of us at Burns, we’d like to say congratulations to you John! It’s very well deserved.