Nick Broady awarded Honorary Fellowship for outstanding charitable contributions to Gloucestershire

Successful businessman and dedicated philanthropist Nick Broady has today received an Honorary Fellowship from University of Gloucestershire in recognition of his exceptional commitment to charitable work across Gloucestershire.

A successful entrepreneur and Managing Director of the Avenue Group – a leading Gloucester-based dealership specialising in high-prestige vehicles – Nick has long combined business success with an unwavering dedication to helping others.

An advocate for supporting local children and families, Nick was the Chairman of Gloucestershire children’s charity, The Pied Piper Appeal, and now serves as Chair of the Trustees. Under his leadership, the Pied Piper Annual Car Show raised an impressive £40,000 in a single day, while his partnership with the SAND Academy Trust expanded the charity’s impact within local schools.

Under Nick’s leadership, The Pied Piper Appeal launched the Emily’s Gift Appeal led by another of this year’s Honorary Fellowship recipients, Julie Kent MBE, in memory of her daughter Emily.

The 2023 campaign successfully raised £500,000 in just one year, securing funding for a dedicated psychologist to support children and their families undergoing cancer treatment for the next decade.

Nick said: “Being a wholehearted Gloucester boy, the idea of seeing the big wide world felt impossible. Receiving this Honorary Fellowship makes me reflect on just how far life can take you when you follow your heart.

“As a sick child in hospital, I remember wishing that one day I could make a difference. About 20 years ago, that wish became a reality when I had the chance to get involved with The Pied Piper Appeal helping sick and disabled children across our county.

“That experience opened so many doors, leading me to chair and mentor other charities, become a multi-business owner, and meet some truly extraordinary people along the way.”

Recently appointed the Chairman of Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation, Nick leads a range of initiatives including the 4Ed charity – established by another of our honorary award recipients, Ed Slater, following his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis. The cause has taken on an even deeper meaning for Nick since his own MND diagnosis in 2024.Through this work, he continues to champion fundraising efforts to help remove the financial burdens for families living with MND.

Nick also actively encourages collaboration between local businesses and charities, inspiring the wider business community to give back through fundraising and partnership initiatives.

Nick, who received his Honorary Fellowship today at one of the University’s 2025 Graduation Ceremonies being held this week at Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “To students thinking about their future, please believe in yourself.

“Life really is short, and every opportunity is a chance to do something meaningful. Start by volunteering, say ‘yes’ when new doors open and, most importantly, walk through them with confidence and kindness.”