A West Cumbrian man has been awarded the freedom of the City of London.
Graham Wren, who was born in Workington, has had a distinguished engineering career since he began his apprenticeship at the town’s steelworks.
Professor Wren was a project manager for UKAEA at Sellafield, director of the Forensic Science Laboratories and the RAF Aviation Toxicology Service and a senior civil servant before joining the private sector.
Awarded a University of Cumbria honorary doctorate – the highest honorary award given by the university – in July 2023, Prof Wren is now senior executive and special advisory to the principal at the University of Strathclyde and is also a professor at the University of Technology in Sydney, plus a member of the Shipbuilding Enterprise for Growth committee of the UK Government’s National Shipbuilding Office.
Awarded an OBE in 2019 in recognition of his services to education, science and engineering, he has over 40 years of technology business and science experience working nationally and internationally.
Since 2008 he has overseen several ambitious projects to drive engagement with industry.
In 2023 he was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Engineers – a livery company of the City of London, supporting the Engineers Trust in its educational, engineering excellence, and charitable objectives and the education and training of young people.
In January this year he received Freedom of the City of London and recently Graham was invited to a ceremony at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall, London to receive his award in person. The ceremony dates back to the 13th century.
Prof Wren said: “I am humbled to receive the Freedom of the City of London. London is a city I love and one I’m proud to support. The Worshipful Company of Engineers supports many charities, and I am looking forward to supporting the city and the company in helping charities where I can.”
Prof Wren is working with the University of Cumbria to support developments across its engineering and business areas.
Professor Robert Trimble, deputy vice chancellor, said: “The university is delighted that Prof Wren has been recognised by the City of London in this way and we very much look forward to continuing our work with Graham to increase our engineering education and research provision.”
