HONOUR FOR FRANCHISEE DOUG

McDonald’sfranchiseeDouglas Wright, who owns and operates 23 restaurants across the West Midlands, has received his MBE from Prince William at aceremony in Buckingham Palace

Mr Wright, from Aldridge, was recognisedin the Queen’sBirthday Honours list, following the Platinum Jubilee, for services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands.

In 2021, Mr Wright celebrated his 40th anniversary working for McDonald’s, wherehe began his career as acleaner at the age of 16.

It was the beginning of aremarkable career journey which led to him being appointed McDonald’syoungestUKrestaurant manager by the age of 20.

He now employs morethan 2,500 people.

His charitable initiatives include asixyear role as chairman for Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, wherehehelpedthe organisation navigate through incredibly difficult times by establishing new ways to fundraise to help provide ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children receiving careatthe nearby Birmingham Children’sHospital.

This was done by setting up the first virtual and hybrid events, which raised morethan £300,000.

As aboardmember for the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Doug spends alot of time with local businesses and, during the pandemic, he was able to help them navigate new government initiatives, whilst managing the safe operation of his own stores.

In 2016, Mr Wright was recognisedasone of the best franchisees in the global system after being the recipientofthe prestigious Fred LTurner Golden Arch Award, the highest accolade in the global McDonald’sempire.

Mr Wright said: “Being presented with an MBE for services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands is agreat honour formyself and my family and I’d like to thank everybody across the business community who has been so generous with their time, advice and support along the way

“I take great pride in being committed to the local communities around our restaurants and look forwardtocontinuing to help contribute towards making them even better places to live and work.”