Mr McDonald 's celebrates 40 years in business

Chamber board member and patron Douglas Wright - popularly known in the Greater Birmingham business community as Mr McDonald 's - today marks 40 years in business.

Mr Wright 's love affair with McDonald 's began on 1 July 1981, when he launched his career as a part-time cleaner on 93p an hour.

It was the beginning of a remarkable career journey which led to him being appointed McDonald 's youngest UK restaurant manager by the age of 20, before going on to become one of the largest franchisees in Europe.

He now owns 20 McDonald 's restaurants across the West Midlands, employing around 2,100 people.

In 2016, he received the highest accolade in the global McDonald 's empire, the Fred L Turner Golden Arch award, given every two years to recognise the best franchisees in the organisation 's entire system.

This followed on from several more company accolades.

In 2002, Mr Wright (pictured) was granted a McDonald's franchise in the centre of Lichfield and he quickly learned the skills of running his own business.

Four years later he purchased a second restaurant at Bassetts Pole, near Sutton Coldfield, and went on to expand his empire. Restaurant No.20 opened in Walsall in 2019.

Mr Wright has also been a staunch supporter of the Chamber - becoming a patron in 2017 and latterly a board member.

Away from the rigours of business, the father of two is also a huge believer in dedicating personal time to charity work.

He was instrumental in setting up a Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, which provides a home-away-from-home for families of children under care at the nearby Birmingham Children 's Hospital.

He chairs the charity 's Board of Governors and is at the forefront of fundraising efforts to help meet the annual running costs.

Mr Wright, who also received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, said: “I 'm thrilled to have reached the milestone of 40 years with McDonald 's.

“It 's been incredible to have started as a part-time employee and to now own and operate 20 franchised McDonald 's restaurants.

“McDonald 's have afforded me so many opportunities to which I 'm incredibly grateful. I would also like to thank everybody who works for me and also call out the many people who have helped me along the way including the Chamber, BCU and everyone at RMHC.

“The brand has evolved so much since 1981 and I feel the future is even more exciting. I have learned so much over the 40 years and am proud of all the work my restaurants do within their respective communities.

“I look forward to many more years at McDonald 's and to helping shape a bright future for our customers and employees. ”

The Chamber 's chief executive Henrietta Brealey paid tribute to Mr Wright, saying: “From everyone here at team Chamber - a hearty congratulations to Doug on this phenomenal milestone.

“His career journey within McDonald 's, the fantastic business he started, leads and continues to grow today and the impact of his charitable work with the likes of Ronald McDonald House are inspirational.

“Doug has been a great supporter of the Chamber as a patron, board member and Chamber Council member.

“We are very much looking forward to marking this milestone with him, and the no doubt many more to come. ”

Chamber vice-president Nasir Awan, a friend of Mr Wright and a fellow board member, added: “Doug is an inspirational person and businessman.

“He is an example to show that you can start from bottom as a cleaner like he did at McDonald 's to become one of largest franchisees in Europe, while still staying humble and rooted to ground.

“Although he is such a busy person, he gives so much to community and his door is always open to give advice and to mentor people on how to succeed in business.

“I have known him for some years and his contribution to the Chamber board is greatly valued. ”