MBE for tiling boss Robert

MBE honour for Robert Howard

A FORMER Oldham pupil has been awarded the MBE.

Robert Howard, managing director of wall and floor tiling specialist Wilson and Wylie Contracts Ltd was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Howard attended Hollins Secondary Modern School and started in the tile industry as an apprentice when he was 15.

He said: “When I left school in Hollins I was told I would never amount to anything.”

The 63 year old completed a five year apprenticeship at J Duncan in Brunswick Street, Oldham, while also attending the Manchester College of Building.

During his time there, he won a national tiling competition at Olympia, and was awarded a prize for highest marks in the wall and floor tiling City and Guilds by Lord Rhodes of Saddleworth in 1968.

He worked his way up to become a manger at the company and also returned to college as a lecturer.

Mr Howard moved to London in 1978 to work for Wilson and Wylie and eventually became the managing director and owner.

A member of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers Livery, Mr Howard was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2001.

His MBE recognises his services to the wall and floor tiling industry and he added: “I was truly delighted and surprised to receive the letter telling me about the award. It is an honour I’m immensely proud of.”



Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle