JF Hornby and Co MD to be honoured with uni alumni award

Paul Hornby, managing director of JF Hornby and Co in Ulverston, will be honored with the University of Lancashire Alumni Achievement Award. The award celebrates his impact on community life, civic leadership, and business success, alongside his philanthropic efforts. Hornby established the JF Hornby Foundation in 2015, which has since donated over £400,000 to charities and community initiatives. The foundation supports the Have a Heart campaign, providing defibrillators to isolated communities, and the Money Club program, offering financial education to primary and secondary school pupils. In 2016, he launched the Hornby Academy, offering a fully funded accountancy career path for school leavers as an alternative to university. Hornby also serves as chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFC, where he played a key role in rescuing the club from financial collapse in 2018 by leading a local consortium and providing personal financial backing. The University of Lancashire Alumni Awards recognize former students’ achievements, with past recipients including Arundeep Kang OBE for equality work, Gary Aspden for Adidas trainer designs, and Susannah Clarke for her public protection role. Hornby’s award follows his 2025 MBE for services to philanthropy and Cumbria’s communities. JF Hornby and Co, founded by his father in 1994, has grown under his leadership into a major regional professional services firm. The award reflects Hornby’s commitment to education, community support, and business leadership in Cumbria.