Michael Oglesby founded the Bruntwood Group of companies in 1978.It would become one of the leading commercial property owners and developers in the English regions, owning in excess of 120 buildings in central and south Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham, with a value in excess of £1,000 million.
At the beginning of 2000 he gave up the joint roles of CEO and Chairman and his son, Chris, took of the over the day to day running of the Company.At the end 2013 Michael relinquished executive responsibility in the company and since then devoted his time to a broad portfolio of principally philanthropic activities covering the arts, civic roles, philanthropy, health and education
He was Chairman of the Oglesby Charitable Trust which has given in excess of £16 million to over 300 charities during the last 20 years. The Trust has a broad portfolio of giving which for many years has included support for both the Christie and The University of Manchester encompassing medical research, contributing to a number of major building projects and arts installations.
Michael was a former High Sheriff and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and, in the 2011 January Honours List, was awarded the CBE for his services to Industry and Charity.
He was born in Scunthorpe Lincolnshire and, after receiving a degree in building at Aston University, spent his early working years in the construction industry before moving to Manchester in 1970.
n 2006 he was voted Businessman of the Year in the North West by the CBI and in May 2006 he received an honorary law doctorate from the University of Manchester. In June 2007 Aston University awarded him an honorary science doctorate and in December 2007 the RNCM presented him with an honorary membership.
