Fraserburgh entrepreneur celebrated with honorary degree from University of Stirling

An Aberdeenshire entrepreneur and retailer leader has been celebrated with an honorary degree from the University of Stirling. Stanley Morrice, from Fraserburgh, became an influential figure in the retail and wholesale sectors.

His career trajectory has encompassed family-owned enterprises and large publicly listed companies, with his services to Scottish food, drink and agriculture recognised during the institution's winter graduation on Friday, November 22.

Stanley entered the sector as a school leaver, and in 1993, he joined Aberdeen-based convenience stores Aberness Foods, which traded as Mace.

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He rose to become Sales Director, boosting income by 50% and tripling profits, and went on to be Managing Director, successfully leading the business through a strategic sale to supermarket group Somerfield.

Throughout a stellar business career, Stanley has set up, led, managed and sold more than 100 companies, from retail, wholesale and property to coaching and mentoring firms, in the UK and internationally.

An MBA graduate in retailing and wholesaling from the University of Stirling and Chair of the University of Stirling Management School’s International Advisory Board, Stanley was recognised with an MBE in 2022 for his work to support sustainable food and drink production in north-east Scotland.

Collecting his degree along with more than 300 other graduates at Friday morning’s ceremony, Stanley said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Stirling, where I completed my MBA in 1998.

"The University has played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and it has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the International Advisory Board at Stirling Management School since early 2020.

"This honorary degree reflects the University's commitment to cultivating industry partnerships and its dedication to preparing students for success in the business world.

"I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Stirling's mission of fostering innovation and developing future leaders."

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: "We are delighted to be awarding an Honorary Doctorate to Stanley Morrice, who has been an influential and exemplary figure in business and entrepreneurship, and in his advisory role at the University of Stirling.

"We know Stanley’s accomplishments, impact and leadership will be an inspiration to those graduating alongside him this week."