A number of business leaders and contributors to UK trade have been honoured by the King in the New Year Honours List.
The list also recognised several subpostmasters for their campaign for justice for those caught up in the Horizon IT system scandal.
Among the international trade figures to be hounoured were Richard Finney, the founder of male grooming product manufacturer Captain Fawcett, which is a member of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. Finney was given an MBE for services to trade and charity.
Louis Taylor, a former CEO of UK Export Finance who now leads the British Business Bank, was also awarded a CBE for services to business and trade.
‘Shining example’
Marco Forgione, the director general of the Chartered Institute, has said that he is “delighted” for the traders that have been recognised this year.
“I’m delighted to see Richard Finney – Captain Fawcett himself – has been awarded an MBE. Richard is a longstanding member of the Chartered Institute and a shining example of a successful UK entrepreneur growing his business through international trade.
“It’s the clear mission of the Chartered Institute to encourage and support businesses to pursue a similar path as all the evidence shows business which trade internationally are more successful, more sustainable, and more profitable. Congratulations to Richard and his team.”
‘Chuffed to bits’
Finney, whose products have been used in popular Hollywood films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, told Eastern Daily Press that he was “chuffed to bits” about the honour, but wanted to share the limelight with his colleagues at Captain Fawcett.
“I work with 20 other people and this award is to the company - the cast and crew at Fawcett HQ," he said.
Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds also congratulated this year’s honours recipients, saying:
“The business leaders in the New Year Honours List and their companies are the lifeblood of our economy, and those receiving awards should be very proud of what they have achieved and for flying the flag both at home and abroad.”
Other recipients
Among the other recognised business leaders were Dame Ruth Cairnie, the first female chair of Babcock International, Leena Nair CBE, the global CEO of Chanel, and Simon Murphy OBE, who spearheaded the £10bn redevelopment of Battersea Power Station.
Multiple DBT and UKEF figures were also recognised alongside leaders from various trade associations and chambers of commerce.
This included John Edwards, director for investment at DBT, who was named a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and Patrick Cauthery, deputy director for aerospace and defence at UKEF, who received a CBE.
“Pat Cauthery has led our aerospace and defence teams for many years during a UKEF career which spans over 30 years,” said UKEF CEO Tim Reid.
“Whether it’s our support overseas or working to support some of the country’s biggest exporters and employers, Pat has helped ensure that our financing has been instrumental in enabling export growth in these key sectors.”
You can read more about who else was recognised here.