Leading figures from across the Welsh business community have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
There is a CBE for Alun Griffiths, the founder one of Wales' leading civil engineering and construction firms, Griffiths. He receives his honour for services to the construction industry and the community in Wales.
Former chief executive of Welsh language channel SC4, Owen Evans, also receives a CBE. The former deputy permanent secretary to the Welsh Government and director of charity Business in the Community in Wales, was appointed chief executive of S4C in 2017 before taking up the post of chief inspector of education inspection body Estyn in January this year.
During his tenure at S4C he oversaw the channel’s HQ relocation from Cardiff to Carmarthen as well as significant growth in the channel’s audience, particularly online.
His CBE is for services to broadcasting in Wales and the Welsh language.
Richard Walker, the boss of Wales’s biggest firms in Deeside-based Iceland Foods, receives an OBE for services to business and the environment.
He took charge of the group in August 2018 and has led its push towards sustainability and a reduced use of plastic.
Mr Walker said: "Shocked and hugely honoured to have been awarded an OBE for services to business and the environment in today's Birthday HonourslList - which I accept on behalf of the real business heroes: my 30,000 Iceland colleagues."
Former Welsh rugby international and group sales and marketing director of Caerphilly headquartered insurance broker, Thomas Carroll, Brynmor Williams receives an MBE for services to sport and charity in Wales.
He has been involved with numerous charities over the years, notably the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust - which helps look after players with life-changing injuries - Velindre Hospital, Prostate Cymru, Ty Hafan and Fields in Trust Wales.
Mr Williams said: “I have just done what I can when I can. I like to think I represent the hundreds of people that do unseen work for charity with this award."
Former Glamorgan and England cricketer, and chief executive of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Hugh Morris, receives and MBE for services to cricket and charity.
Founder of Carmarthenshire pet food venture Burns Pet Nutrition, John Burns, receives an MBE for services to business and to the community in West Wales.
There is also an MBE for Andrew Howells the founder of Cardiff-based BCB International the manufacturer of first aid kits and protective items.
During the pandemic the business worked around the clock producing protective clothing, ventilator bags, personal protective kits and Dr Browne’s hand sanitiser for the Welsh NHS. He receives the award for services to frontline workers during the pandemic.
He said: “I am delighted to accept this Honour on behalf of my family and my BCB team, each of whom were incredible in meeting the often-emotional demands during the pandemic. I feel we certainly lived up to our motto, saving and protecting lives in hostile environments."
The founder of Riversimple, which is pioneering hydrogen vehicles and plans to scale-up to create a number of factories in South Wales, Hugo Spowers, receives an MBE for services to technology.
Mr Spowers said: "I am truly delighted by this award, recognising as it does many years of hard work by our small but dedicated team, and this is an acknowledgement of their talent and perseverance.
“Our cars are now being trialled and the drivers are unanimous in their enthusiasm for the driving experience, so we are looking forward to getting into production and making them widely available in the UK, and above all Wales.”
Rocio Cifuentes, chief executive of the Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales, receives an MBE for services to the community in Wales.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said :“In this special Jubilee year, I am once again inspired by the stories of the many people from across Wales who have deservedly been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“As well as honouring people who have excelled in sport and the arts, these awards celebrate individuals who selflessly give back to those around them, both through their work and personal lives. It is heart-warming to see the hugely diverse range of recipients from right across Wales recognised for their commitment to charity, education, community work and health.
“I congratulate each person honoured and thank them for their invaluable contribution.”
