OBE for Densitron's Cliff Hardcastle

In a unique parade of 120 individuals earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, Cliff Hardcastle - Chairman and founder of Densitron Technologies - received his OBE from Her Majesty the Queen.

In a unique parade of 120 individuals earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, Cliff Hardcastle - Chairman and founder of Densitron Technologies - received his OBE from Her Majesty the Queen.

Hardcastle - awarded the OBE in the Queens Official Birthday Honours List in June - was presented with the medal for his contributions to industry and education, particularly in London and the South East.

The Densitron Chairman recalled from the investiture that each person was made to feel comfortable while being prepared for the few minutes' audience with the Queen, with the over-riding instruction to enjoy the moment, even though they might dry up when asked a question by Her Majesty.

They were also informed that a video of each person's moment in history would help record the cherished memory.

Hardcastle's honour is in recognition for his outstanding national voluntary contributions to many areas way beyond his duties as the founder and chairman of the successful global electronics company.

His significant contributions were recognised for improving the quality of educational and business development.

A far-reaching open-door programme for supporting education at Densitron was devised by Hardcastle, which has been extremely beneficial for schools, teachers and students from Inner City and South East establishments, as well as higher education institutes such as Southampton University.

Through Cliff Hardcastle's diligence, a number of institutions have benefited from the Technology Colleges Trust scheme and this has enabled them to receive considerable financial support and sponsorship.

Over the past, other organisations with educational and business links have also benefited, such as NACETT (National Advisory Council for Education and Training Targets).

Hardcastle remains active on many advisory committees including the CBI.

He has also offered advice and support over the years to small, medium and large companies.

In March 1999 he met Tony and Cherie Blair at 10 Downing Street in honour of sponsors of specialist schools, Education Action Zones and the Technology Colleges Trust.

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