Business award named after former Lord Lieutenant

David Laing was the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire for six and half years

A business award is to be renamed to honour the former Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.

The Outstanding Achievement Award will now be known as The David Laing Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards.

Mr Laing, who held the office between 2014 to 2020, died in March from pancreatic cancer.

His wife Mary Laing said: "On the one hand it is is quite hard [to think about,] but it's a really lovely [gesture]."

Mr Laing was involved with several Northamptonshire charities during his time in office

The 78-year-old also served as high sheriff of the county and the pro-chancellor at the University of Northampton.

He was appointed CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list for services to charity and philanthropy.

Mr Laing was involved with several charities including the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, Adrenaline Alley and was vice-president of St John Ambulance in the county.

'Loved every second'

James Saunders Watson, Northamptonshire’s current Lord Lieutenant, praised Mr Laing as “an inspiration” for his community service.

Ms Laing added that he "loved every second" of being the Lord Lieutenant, and hoped "David's legacy will live on" through his successor.

The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards take place on Thursday.

Lord Lieutenants is a ceremonial role, acting as the monarch's personal representative in each county.