Ian was conferred a Doctorate of Laws for his successful business career and philanthropy, he has worked meticulously to give back to local and national causes since he co-founded Mattioli Woods over 30 years ago with Bob Woods MBE.
He received his Honorary Degree at the University’s graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall on Tuesday 19 July 2022 in front of hundreds of graduating students and friends. He was among five other stars from the world of research, business and entertainment.
His enthusiasm and drive has encouraged everyone at Mattioli Woods to work with charities including the British Heart Foundation and LOROS Hospice. In addition, Ian and his wife privately set up The Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust, working on recent projects including Leicester’s Warning Zone, Microloan Foundation Malawi, Aylestone Park Football Club, who saw their new 500 seat grandstand open earlier this week thanks to money from the Trust and more latterly helping Leicester Riders build a new arena.
In his speech, Ian gave four pieces of advice; always care, be passionate, be the expert, surround yourself with great family, great friends and people who have the same passions and beliefs.
On receiving the news of his honorary degree, Ian said, “while it is nice to receive personal recognition and a massive thanks to Leicester University, it is often the work of the people around you that enable such things to happen. My advice, as I said at the ceremony, was for us all to surround ourselves with people who are equally expert, passionate and have integrity. I am lucky that both in my family life and business I have been able to achieve this aim and in doing so all our combined ambitions are able to be achieved.”
Mattioli Woods started life in a garage in Leicester over 30 years ago and Ian and Bob have built the company into the success it is today, with offices across the UK and more than 800 members of staff.
Photo credit: REDPIX Photography
