A top Oldbury businessman and charity supporter was made an Honorary Freeman of Sandwell at a special ceremony on Saturday.

David Manners, chairman of David Manners Group, was recognised for his innovation and entrepreneurship in commerce and his local community work at a special ceremony at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury. Mr Manners attended Bearwood Primary School and lived in Beakes Road in Smethwick for many years.

He married his wife Janet who grew up in Drayton Road and worked with his brother Gordon in the family dry cleaning business before setting up his firm opposite Lightwoods Park after seeing a potential business opportunity after searching for an exhaust for his Daimler Dart.

That led to him setting up a successful international business dealing in car parts. In 2018 the company won the Employer of the Year and Social and Corporate Responsibility class in the Midlands Family Business of the Year awards.

The business, based at Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, employs 60 people, with his daughter Kate as managing director. Councillor Steve Trow, leader of Sandwell Council, said:

“David Manners is a local man who has made a very real contribution to life in Sandwell. He is not only a very successful businessman who has brought employment and prosperity to Sandwell with his successful companies he has supported local charities and good causes for many years.

“These have included the Black Country Women’s Aid, Thimblemill Library, Santa in the Woods at Warley Woods and the Better Understanding of Dementia for Sandwell group.”

Mr Manners, who was supported by family and friends at the ceremony, added: “I was very honoured and excited at being given this honour - it feels like getting an Oscar."