The driving force behind Linwood-based heavyweight logistics company Malcolm Group has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from University of the West of Scotland.

Andrew Malcolm MBE, CEO of the 100-year-old Scottish family firm, was recognised as part of the University’s winter graduations, at a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey today (Wednesday 15 November).

Under his leadership, Malcolm Group has transformed into a major nationwide player in the logistics sector.

During his tenure, the workforce has nearly doubled to just over 2,000 people, with multiple generations of families employed.

In 2023, Andrew’s knowledge and experience led to him being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Alongside his many business achievements, Andrew and the company support many charities, including the Beatson Cancer Centre, where he is an ambassador. He also sits on the board of the Wise Group, a social enterprise working to lift people out of poverty.

Johnny Mone, Head of Business Innovation at UWS, in delivering his citation outlined Andrew’s his inspirational career to date as well as his commitment to people and place at a local and national level.

 Andrew Malcolm MBE said “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate from UWS.”

Discussing his Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Andrew said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate from UWS. While it is wonderful to be recognised, it always comes back to the fact I have a phenomenal team around me in a business I am very passionate about. It is extra special to receive this honour from my local University, which offers employer-focussed degrees. I am delighted to say many of its alumni thrive in our business today.”

Professor James Miller FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the pinnacle of the University calendar. It gives us the opportunity to both reflect on the amazing achievements of our students and to celebrate this most important of milestones with their friends and families, as well as the whole UWS community who have supported them throughout their time at university.

“We are delighted to award Andrew with an Honorary Doctorate and celebrate what he and the company he has led over the years has achieved, during his time as CEO. Andrew, and his passion to nurture and support the families and communities connected to Malcolm Group, is incredibly inspirational and his ethos directly aligns with the mission and values of UWS. Congratulations to Andrew for this deserved recognition.”