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Aged 15, Kip Bertram had planned to go to university to become a doctor but developed type 1 diabetes, missing so much school that he failed his O-levels. Instead, he got a job with a book publisher on their sales team and then went on to found the Norwich-based Bertram Books in 1968 from two disused chicken sheds.
Bertram Books grew to become the largest wholesaler of books in the UK, employing 750 people, before Kip sold it 31 years later. Now, at the age of 77, he has realised his original dream of becoming a doctor by picking up his Honorary Doctorate.
Photo credit: Felicity de Beer
“I am hugely chuffed and delightfully surprised. I feel extremely flattered for the recognition. Work was always fun with a brilliant team, I enjoyed employing lots of lovely students from the UEA during our busy lead up to Christmas who were enthusiastic and hard working so I am honoured to now be counted as one of them.”