Northamptonshire Business Award Renamed to Honor Former Lord Lieutenant

The Outstanding Achievement Award, presented at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards, is being renamed The David Laing Award in tribute to the former Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire. Mr. Laing served in the role from 2014 until 2020 and passed away in March due to pancreatic cancer. His wife, Mary Laing, commented on the renaming, stating: “On the one hand it is is quite hard [to think about,] but it’s a really lovely [gesture].” At 78 years old, Mr. Laing’s past roles included high sheriff of the county and pro-chancellor at the University of Northampton. He received the CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list, recognized for his contributions to charity and philanthropy. His charitable engagements encompassed the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, and Adrenaline Alley. He also held the position of vice-president for St John Ambulance within the county. James Saunders Watson, the current Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, lauded Mr. Laing, describing him as “an inspiration” due to his dedication to community service. Ms. Laing further mentioned that he “loved every second” of his tenure as Lord Lieutenant, expressing her hope that “David’s legacy will live on” through the individual who succeeded him. The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards are scheduled for Thursday. The position of Lord Lieutenant is a ceremonial one, involving service as the monarch’s personal representative in each respective county.