CEO of High Wycombe-based Focusrite gets honorary doctorate from BNU
CEO of High Wycombe-headquartered Focusrite and international audio industry legend Phil Dudderidge OBE has today (Tuesday 23 July) been made an Honorary Doctor in a graduation ceremony at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU).
Phil is recognised by BNU for his prolific career in the audio industry - which has included touring as the sound engineer for Led Zeppelin and founding esteemed audio businesses Soundcraft Electronics Ltd. and Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. - as well as his longstanding and valued support of BNU’s School of Creative and Digital Industries.
Phil donned the formal graduation cap and gown and received his honorary doctorate on stage at the Wycombe Swan theatre today, before delivering a speech to the graduating class in attendance.
On receipt of the award, Phil said: “I am delighted to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University. Focusrite has been involved with the university since the first music studios were built in the old campus and I very much value the relationship we have enjoyed over the years.
“My career has always depended on teamwork. I have been very fortunate to have been able to find outstanding employees and collaborators, locally and around the world, some graduates of this very institution. My experience of international touring with bands early in my career prepared me well for building international distribution and enduring relationships with like-minded entrepreneurs.
“To have my life’s work recognised by BNU with an honorary doctorate is most gratifying, especially as I didn’t have the privilege of a University education. My thanks to the Vice Chancellor and Faculty for the honour.”
Focusrite is currently working with the Music Production team at BNU to create a Level 5 module for BSc Music Technology. Every year the company also presents its Focusrite Award for Best Audio Production to a BNU music production student.
Explaining why Phil was chosen for this special honour, Doctor Russel Stone, Head of School for Creative and Digital Industries at BNU, said: “BNU is very fortunate to have such a strong relationship with a world leading audio company. Phil is a source of inspiration to our students and an avid supporter of everything we do. As we continue to develop our music production facilities and programmes the school will draw on Phil’s expertise to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills needed for a successful career in music production.”
BNU’s School of Creative and Digital Industries produces a cohort of skilled audio and music graduates each year. The association with, and opportunities provided by Phil and Focusrite provide BNU students with unique industry experience and networks that would not be available to someone starting out in the industry otherwise.
Based in the University’s Gateway Building at its High Wycombe Campus, the School’s audio and music facilities include state-of-the-art equipment, with Focusrite acting as a lead supplier. Last year, a refit of the School’s Studio 2 involved installing Focusrite speakers, keyboards, preamps and Dante interfaces, providing BNU students with the best audio interface on which they can create their music.
Phil has been hailed by his Focusrite colleagues as a 'true colossus in the audio industry' and embodying the values of 'smashing through barriers and unleashing boundless creativity in the world of sound.'
At the start of the year Phil was awarded an OBE for his services to business and the music industry in King Charles III's New Year Honours list, in recognition of his contribution to the professional audio industry.