THE CHIEF executive of Blackburn-based public company Scapa has been recognised as one of the country's top managers.

David Dunn has been made a Companion of the Institute of Management, the most senior and prestigious grade of membership.

He said he was "surprised and delighted" to receive the award.

"It was completely out of the blue," said Mr Dunn, 51, who is in charge of the biggest public company in Lancashire.

Scapa Plc employs 7,300 people worldwide, including 2,000 in Lancashire and the North West, making products for the paper industry, industrial materials, technical tapes used in everything from cars to computers, filtration materials and textiles.

Mr Dunn added: "The group is in good shape and is continuing to progress.

"We've ambitions to grow but in a way which sticks to what we know and understand. That's what Scapa is all about."

Mr Dunn, who lives in Southport, is married with two grown-up children.

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