Ulster University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Gavin Killeen MBE DL.
Joining Nuprint as General Manager in 1998, by 2001 Gavin had grown the business and transformed it through the implementation of the latest technology and staff training.
Gavin, along with his business partner, Alan McClure, purchased the business in 2004 and redirected its focus to the food, drink and beverage sectors. Major investment in both people and equipment allowed Nuprint to transform itself to become a design led producer of packaging to world-class companies internationally. Gavin purchased his partner's shares in 2021 and is now the sole shareholder.
In 2007 Nuprint won the prestigious Mark of Excellence in the NI Quality Awards; in 2012 it won the Business in the Community Award of Northern Ireland’s Most Responsible Small Business; and in 2013 it won Best International Trade in the Derry/Londonderry Business Awards.
In response to Covid 19, Gavin was involved in setting up North West Medical Ltd to manufacture surgical face masks for the local Health and Social Care NI.
Gavin was awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours List 2023 by His Majesty The King for services to Further Education in Northern Ireland. Gavin is also a member of The King’s Award for Enterprise, Innovation Award, Judging Panel.
Gavin received an Honorary Award in recognition for his contribution to the Economy and Education from the North West Regional College at their 2022 Graduation Ceremony.
As well as business ventures, Gavin is also well known for his voluntary and community work. He is the Co-Chair of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Strategic Growth Plan, the Chair of Education and Skills Directorate and Chair of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster’s Smart Industry Board, among many other prominent groups looking at enhancing life in the North West.
Someone who has been long involved with the progress of Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry, Gavin has been a member of the steering group overseeing the Outline Business Case for the expansion of the Derry~Londonderry campus of Ulster University since 2013, as well as being a part of Ulster University’s Medical Education and Funding Advisory Board and part of the Derry~Londonderry Campus Expansion.
Gavin is a former President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.
