A Cumbrian businessman’s tireless work for charities and communities is being recognised with a prestigious alumni award.
Paul Hornby, the managing director of Ulverston-based chartered accountants JF Hornby & Co, has been selected to receive a University of Lancashire Alumni Achievement Award.
The accolade is in recognition of Paul’s sustained contribution to community life, civic leadership and social impact, alongside his achievements as a business leader.
He said: “When I graduated from what was then the University of Central Lancashire more than 25 years ago, I never dreamed that one day I’d be returning to receive an award like this.
“I feel surprised and humbled. This is a tribute to the hard work of everyone involved in the Hornby Foundation, Hornby Academy and JF Hornby & Co.
“We’re fortunate to be in a position to help people, and we’ll continue to do that for as long as we can.”
Paul – who is also chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFC – created the JF Hornby Foundation in 2015. It has since given more than £400,000 to charities, good causes and community groups.
Notable Foundation initiatives include the Have a Heart campaign, which has provided defibrillators to isolated communities, and the ongoing Money Club programme, delivering financial education to primary and secondary school pupils.
In 2016 he founded the Hornby Academy, underpinned by the belief that businesses have a responsibility to invest in young people.
The Academy provides a fully funded alternative to university and has supported many school leavers on the path to chartered accountant status.
The University of Lancashire Alumni Awards celebrates the achievements of former students.
Previous recipients include Arundeep Kang OBE, who was recognised for his significant work in the fields of equality and diversity; Gary Aspden whose stellar career led to him designing one of Adidas’ most enduringly popular trainer collections and Susannah Clarke, a recipient of the Kings Police medal, who amongst other career highs, was the UK’s Director of Public Protection.
News that Paul is to be awarded an alumni achievement awards follows the MBE he was awarded in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List, for services to philanthropy and the communities of Barrow-in-Furness and south Cumbria.
JF Hornby & Co was founded by Paul’s father, John, in 1994. Under Paul’s leadership it has developed into a significant regional employer and professional services firm.
Beyond formal philanthropy, Paul has stepped forward at moments of civic need.
In 2018 he played a central role in rescuing Barrow AFC when the club faced financial collapse, leading the formation of a local consortium, providing personal financial backing and assuming the role of chairman, without remuneration.
