Sir Bryan Sanderson knighted for his services to charity and public life

An Allanian who enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the banking, chemicals and finance sectors was honoured with a knighthood in a prestigious ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Sir Bryan Sanderson, President of the Allanian Society, was knighted in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for his services to charity and public life, and more recently for his work as Chairman of the Low Pay Commission, which has overseen an increase in the National Minimum Wage.

Sir Bryan was invested by Princess Anne at the prestigious ceremony at the castle, which is where he received his CBE from Queen Elizabeth.

He said: “I know Princess Anne quite well from various occasions and we get on well, so it was all very grand but relaxed. It was greatly helped by the presence of two of my grandsons, aged 12, who loved the whole occasion, particularly as we were there just ten days before President Trump. It was magnificent and a memorable occasion for us all.”

Sir Bryan grew up in post-war Boldon and won a scholarship to Dame Allan’s Schools.

He said: “I had a poor but happy childhood, and I wouldn’t have gone to Dame Allan’s were it not for the scholarship. It opened my eyes to a whole new world, and they did it in a very kind way. I wanted a different life, and I was encouraged in that. I owe them a great deal.”

The experiences of a good education with inspirational teachers gave Bryan the foundations and springboard to begin an outstanding career, which began by studying at the London School of Economics (the first pupil from DAS to do so) and went on to span the energy, chemicals and financial sectors.

He was a Managing Director of British Petroleum plc and CEO of BP Chemicals; Chairman at Standard Chartered Bank, Northern Rock (having been asked to take over the stricken bank on its collapse in 2007/8), the Learning and Skills Council, BUPA and his beloved Sunderland Football Club. He has sat on numerous boards and is renowned for his charitable work, as Chairman of the Florence Nightingale Foundation charity and The Home Renaissance Foundation. He was also a Trustee of the Economist for ten years.

As Chairman of the Low Pay Commission the group pushed the minimum wage up to two thirds of the average and improved the lives of around 5-6 million people, many of whom were women.

Dame Allan’s Principal, Will Scott, said: “Sir Bryan is a valued member of our community and we’re incredibly grateful for the time that he gives back to the schools. We’re delighted to see him rewarded for his charitable and public service works, including his efforts to improve pay for thousands of people. He is an inspiration to our pupils.”