One of the founders of Purplebricks, and now a founder of the portal Boomin, has been awarded an MBE in today’s Queen's Birthday honour’s list.
Kenny Bruce, who founded Purplebricks in 2012 with his brother Michael, has been awarded the MBE for “services to charity and the community” in his home town of Larne, County Antrim.
The move is likely to be controversial in agency circles given the mixed fortunes of Purplebricks when Bruce was involved with the company, and its always-volatile relationship with the rest of the industry.
Earlier this year Bruce - who owns Larne Football Club - turned down an invitation to become a Freeman of the Borough honour, saying it should go to the people of the town instead.
In 2017 when Purplebricks was riding high in the UK and abroad, Bruce began his football investment; the club in his home town was struggling with severe financial problems, a relatively low fan base and crowds which on occasions were only 50-strong.
The local council in the area says that since then, Bruce has pumped £1.4m into the club stadium, including the installation of a new pitch and spotlights.
Bruce himself says: “I was completely blown away when I received notification that I was to receive an MBE and I really am so humbled. Anything I have done for Larne FC and the surrounding community has simply been my way of giving back, because this town has given me so much in my lifetime.”
With brother Michael, Kenny Bruce is one of the founders of the soon-to-launch portal Boomin.
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Peak 2020
Very well deserved.
Whatever our personal views are of the merits of an Honours List, it's just great to see a business innovator getting a mention - particularly someone from our own industry.
Congratulations Kenny Brice!
Where is the vomiting emoji when you need it.
MBE really not worth the silver in the medal.
Anyone gets them these days
My goodness?
"The move is likely to be controversial in agency circles." Nicely understated Graham:)
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