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# Lichfield nursery business founder receives Honorary Doctorate
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-nursery-business-founder-receives-honorary-doctorate/
- Published: 2014-02-26T12:21:33.000Z
- Updated: 2014-02-26T12:22:09.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Business, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 20:48, News

One of the founders of a Lichfield nursery company has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate.

[![John Woodward](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/john-woodward-honorary-doctorate-awarded-24-2-14.jpg)](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2014/02/26/lichfield-nursery-business-founder-receives-honorary-doctorate/john-woodward-honorary-doctorate-awarded-24-2-14/)

John Woodward

John Woodward, who helped found the Busy Bees childcare chain, was recognised by Birmingham City University.

The company was founded more than 30 years ago by John alongside fellow teachers who were unable to find appropriate childcare for their children. The business has since expanded across the UK with 213 nurseries and plans to grow overseas.

John said: “I am delighted and honoured to have received this recognition.

“Busy Bees has provided childcare for thousands of children over the years and currently employs over 7,000 staff, many of whom are based in the Lichfield area.

“The company has an exceptional team and will continue to develop.”

As well as his work with the creation of the Busy Bees brand, John was also a driving force in the creation of the company’s childcare voucher scheme. He has also been appointed to the advisory board of Estro Catalpa, the largest pre-school operator in the Netherlands.