The Guildford Roll of Honour is the result of a collaboration between local partners the University of Surrey and Guildford Borough Council.  It seeks to recognise an exceptional individual who has made a substantial impact to the economic wealth, social well-being or artistic culture of Guildford and the surrounding area and achieved major recognition in their field.

Nominees may come from the commercial, academic, health, social or arts sectors, as long as they can be judged to have made real impact for the benefit of the Borough.

‘We are delighted to be launching this award with the Borough Council in the University’s 120th anniversary year,’ says Professor Christopher Snowden, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey.  ‘We have always taken great pride in our work and the contribution our research and graduates make to the wider world.  The Guildford Roll of Honour is a way of providing lasting recognition for inspirational local role models and celebrating Guildford as a centre of innovation and commercial success.’   

The first recipient of the award, which will go on permanent display at the historic Guildhall in Guildford town centre, is Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).  Professor Sweeting has won both national and international acclaim for his work spanning three decades in the development and manufacture of a new generation of highly reliable and cost effective space satellites.

Professor Sweeting has been nominated in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the economy and profile of Guildford worldwide.  His name will be unveiled at a special celebratory black tie dinner on Thursday 30 June in front of guests drawn from the worlds of business, education and public service.

More information is available here.