Prominent figures in Welsh business were recognised in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List last week. The list rewards the accomplishments of extraordinary people from all backgrounds across the whole of the UK, all who have made contributions to public life and their communities.
In Wales, the business community saw a number of industry leaders awarded for their accomplishments, including the chair of the Development Bank of Wales Gareth Bullock, who was awarded an OBE for services to the Welsh financial economy. With 45 years’ experience in financial services, Mr Bullock has held numerous board positions including Tesco PLC, British Bankers’ Association, and Global Market Group. He was also a Trustee of the British Council from 2012 to 2018.
Mr Bullock said: “I am pleased to have been awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the Welsh financial economy. While it is certainly a great personal honour, I absolutely recognise that the award is in large part due to the success of the Development Bank. Of course, that success is entirely founded upon the hard work, creativity and dedication of our team.”
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Richard Selby, national chairman for the Institute of Directors and managing director of Pro Steel Engineering, has been awarded an MBE for services to the economy and charity in Wales. From Pontypool, Mr Selby co-established the Torfaen Strategic Economic Forum and was also a board member of the Regional Economic Growth Partnership at the Cardiff Capital Region.
Mid-Wales tourism chief executive Val Hawkins was also awarded an MBE for her services to tourism and the economy of Wales. Ms Hawkins has worked with a range of partners and secured European funding for a training project for Powys tourism businesses and communities.
During her time at Mid Wales Tourism, she has helped guide the organisation and member businesses through a series of major challenges. She also helped to develop and implement digital technology with Mid Wales becoming one of the first UK regions to have a destination management system.
Ms Hawkins said she was both “surprised but delighted” with the honour. “I am proud of the work I have done as an officer of MWT Cymru over the past 24 years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when a lot of good people in the industry pulled together to try to mitigate the impact on tourism businesses through that extremely challenging time,” she said.
“I must thank the MWT directors and staff I have worked with over the years and our member businesses and community groups for their support. I am part of a business community and, for a rural region, we collectively punch way above our weight.”
The World Netball president and ex-UK Sport chief executive from Barry, Liz Nicholl has been made a Dame for her services to sport. She played netball for Wales before transitioning into sports administration. Over the last 40 years, she has held a number of senior executive roles in sport.
Wales’ longest serving university vice chancellor Professor Medwin Hughes was honoured with a CBE for services to education and the Welsh language. He was vice-chancellor at the University of Wales and University of Wales Trinity St David but stood down in May after 23 years in the role.
Alan Jones, who transformed a back street bakery with five staff into the multi-award winning Jones Village Bakery that now employs 800 people and has a turnover of more than £80m, was recognised in the honours list.
Under this leadership, the Wrexham-based firm has consistently won a huge array of industry awards over many years including three Fast Growth 50 awards for its incredible growth.
Speaking about the honour, Mr Jones said: “I am delighted obviously but really surprised. In the early days I would never have dreamed that we would have reached where we are today, with five bakeries in Minera and on Wrexham Industrial Estate. It’s not just about me because the staff are fantastic and I have three sons who have worked in the business.”
Others recognised in the list include Robb Merchant, owner of White Castle Vineyard in Monmouthshire, who was awarded an MBE for services to winegrowing. Neil Frow, managing director of NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, has received an OBE for services to NHS Wales.
While Professor Christopher Jones, deputy chief medical officer to the Welsh Government, has received a CBE for his services to healthcare.
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: “It is incredibly inspiring to hear about the extraordinary and invaluable work of so many people from across Wales who have deservedly been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
“Welsh recipients from a wide range of fields have been recognised, whether it’s for their commitment to their local community, their contribution to sport, education, culture or health – and I’m thrilled that their endeavours have been commended. I would like to congratulate all the recipients being honoured and thank each and every one for their contribution.”
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