Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
GEORGE RECEIVES QUEEN’S HONOUR
OBE delight for Airdrie man
George Be l l was “very honoured” to be presented with an OBE by the Duke of Cambridge as his proud family looked on.
The prominent Airdrie businessman was recognised for his services to apprenticeships and charity in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
George attended Buckingham Palace with loved ones for his investiture ceremony and received his prestigious honour from Prince William.
George began his working life as a teenage painting and decorating apprentice; and two years later, was managing a team of 42 trainees in completing a challenging job at a secondary school.
By the age of 21 he was overseeing 500 staff – and then the former Golfhill Primary and Airdrie High pupil decided to go into business for himself, founding Bell Group in 1984.
Starting himself as a painting and decorating apprentice, George has dedicated his career to building the Bell Group and ensuring that local people and communities remain at the heart of the business.
The firm now has 30 branches across the UK, including its headquarters at Rochsolloch Road, and a multimillion pound turnover.
Responding to receiving his OBE, a proud George said: “To say I’m delighted is an understatement; I feel very honoured.
“I have always been passionate about our industry and ensuring a bright future for both those I work with and the communities we work in.
“I am so proud of the company that Bell Group has become and in my mind this award is for everyone that has contributed to that.”
As previously reported in the Advertiser, George received a special recognition award at last year’s Lanarkshire business excellence awards; and alongside his wife, has established the George and Annette Bell Foundation to “alleviate poverty, promote health and support education and communities”.
His charitable efforts have included completing various fundraising challenges including running marathons, climbing mountains and cycling from London to Paris.
Speaking on the unveiling of the couple’s foundation in July, Annette said: “I’m so pleased that our launch event was such a success and can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity and support.
“To see our foundation become a catalyst for good in the communities that George and I have worked in from day one is fantastic.”
George was congratulated on his OBE by Scottish politician David Mundell, who said: “George Bell’s OBE recognises the enormous contribution he has made to the lives of young people.
“He has trained more than 1000 apprentices through his successful property maintenance company, giving those young people skills and confidence and setting them on course for prosperous and successful futures.
“People from all walks of Scottish life have been recognised for their contributions to their communities and to our country.
“I offer my sincere congratulations to all the Scots who have been recognised by Her Majesty.”