A pioneer of bomb disposal technology and a former director of Swindon-based retail giant WH Smith have received awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours
Sidney Alford, pictured, the founder of Chippenham-based Alford Technologies – which has developed innovative bomb disposals techniques – gets the OBE for services to explosive ordnance disposal technology.
Peter Troughton, a director of retail giant WH Smith and chairman of the boards of WHS Retail, Waterstones, Our Price Music and Virgin Retail until 1995, has been awarded a CBE for services to business, education and culture. 
He is now Pro-Chancellor at the University of Bath.
Double Queen’s Award-winning Alford Technologies has pioneered ways of safely detonating explosive devices in war-scarred countries across the globe.
Alford’s products are used by militaries, police, law enforcement and commercial companies from across the globe. Its explosive charges are some of the most highly regarded in the industry and are said to have saved many lives.
Its equipment has been used most recently by the British Army in Afghanistan to counter the threat from improvised explosive devices.
Dr Alford, who invented the world’s first liquid-lined explosive disruptor, founded the business in 1985.
Peter Troughton, who lives in Swindon, was chair of the University of Bath’s council – its governing body – for almost nine years until he stepped down from the role last July. He became a Pro-Chancellor of the university in 2013.
During his chairmanship the university rose into the top 10 of all major UK league tables, significantly expanded its estate and student numbers and further strengthening its financial and international profile.
For 11 years he then supported Lord Rothschild’s contribution to the UK’s arts and heritage. He is chairman of the Lowland Investment Company and vice chairman of regional newspaper and magazine publisher Archant.
He is a trustee of the Royal Collection and the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund, and has been a trustee of the National Gallery as well as a school governor.
University of Bath vice-chancellor Prof Dame Glynis Breakwell said: “Peter Troughton richly deserves this honour which recognises his distinguished contribution not only to the university but also to the nation. He has given magnificent leadership to the university’s council and continues to be a very effective ambassador for us.”
Peter Troughton added: “This award is a wonderful surprise, for which I am very grateful. It honours above all the success of the University of Bath in its many endeavours in research and teaching, with which I am proud to be associated.”
