A WOMAN nicknamed ‘The Entrepreneur’s Godmother’ has received an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Alison Edgar, speaker and expert in improving performance, was awarded the honorary in recognition of her support for business.

Alison grew up as part of a working-class family in their council flat in Clydebank.

Having struggled at school due to undiagnosed dyslexia, Alison left with no qualifications but drew on her strong people skills to lead a successful career in hospitality and then corporate sales.

In 2011, Alison launched her own company providing sales, customer service and leadership training.

She became known as ‘The Entrepreneur’s Godmother’ by mentoring leading entrepreneurs and advising government on small business issues.

She has also delivered a TEDx speech and published two best-selling books on personal and professional development.

In 2020 she was made an MBE for her services to entrepreneurship and business.

Alison received her honorary doctorate in education at the graduation ceremony for Bournemouth University’s Business School students on November 5.

She said: “When the email arrived to tell me about the honorary doctorate, I burst into tears. I genuinely could not believe it, for someone who struggled with education to get this amazing honour was just beyond my comprehension.”

When asked about what more businesses can do to become more inclusive, Alison added: “A lot of businesses try to get people who are different to conform to the normal but I think there is no such thing as normal.

"So I think it is about understanding people a little bit better, getting them to acknowledge what their superpowers are and working together.”

Professor Alison Honour, vice-chancellor and CEO of Bournemouth University, said: “At BU we are focussed on supporting our local businesses and developing the entrepreneurs to meet our local economy needs; we also believe in challenging marginalisation and disadvantage.

"These ambitions are reflected in Alison's own journey. She did lot let anything hold back her determination to succeed in business and now helps so many others to follow in her footsteps, regardless of their background.

"She will be an inspiration to our students, staff and graduates and I am proud to welcome her to the BU community."