A Royal Salute to Britain’s Business Trailblazers
This year’s King’s Birthday Honours List has put the spotlight firmly on the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit, celebrating a host of business leaders who have driven growth, innovation and job creation across the country. Among the 1,200 individuals recognised, a striking number come from the world of commerce—from fintech and ceramics to banking, recruitment and tech policy.
Damehoods for Four Powerhouse Women
At the centre of the honours are four remarkable women who have earned damehoods for their services to UK business:
- Clare Barclay, Microsoft UK CEO, who has steered the tech giant’s expansion in cloud computing and digital transformation for public and private sectors.
- Emma Bridgewater, founder of the renowned pottery brand, praised as the “queen of pottery” for her revival of British craftsmanship and her commitment to local manufacturing.
- Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive of Nationwide Building Society, lauded for orchestrating the £2.3bn takeover of Virgin Money and strengthening financial inclusion.
- Anne Glover, former Chair of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), recognised for her leadership in venture funding and for advising government on tech innovation policy.
These four dames join an eclectic group that includes household names such as David Beckham and Gary Oldman, both of whom received knighthoods for their cultural and charitable contributions.
MBEs and OBEs: Celebrating Community Impact
Beyond the top honours, the list highlights individuals who have made significant economic and social impacts in their fields:
- Luke Littler and Claudia Winkleman were awarded MBEs for their exceptional contributions to sport and broadcasting respectively.
- Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, received an OBE for services to the UK economy, acknowledging the pivotal role recruitment agencies play in matching talent to opportunity.
- Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, honoured with an OBE for establishing programmes that help military veterans find civilian employment.
- Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, recognised for her work in strengthening the voice of UK businesses on the global stage.
City Figures and Financial Heavyweights
The financial services sector also features prominently, with key executives celebrated for their leadership:
- Tiina Lee, CEO of Citi UK, honoured for her role in driving banking innovation and supporting sustainable finance initiatives.
- Stephen Pegge, former Managing Director at UK Finance, received an OBE for his contributions to industry standards and financial regulation.
- Michelle Scrimgeour, Head of Legal & General’s £1.1tn investment portfolio, recognised for her stewardship of one of the UK’s largest asset managers.
Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, praised these appointments, stating he was “immensely proud” that so many business leaders were honoured for “driving growth and championing British industry.”
High Street and Tech Entrepreneurs
The honours extend to entrepreneurs across retail and technology:
- Roisin Currie, Chief Executive of Greggs, recognised for transforming the bakery chain into a national brand with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.
- Dana Strong, Group CEO of Sky, awarded an OBE for expanding the broadcaster’s global footprint and investing in digital content innovation.
- Doug Perkins, the Welsh billionaire and co-founder of Specsavers, knighted for building one of the world’s largest optical retail groups and for philanthropic efforts.
Philanthropy and Social Enterprise
Philanthropy and social impact have not been overlooked:
- Gordon Roddick, co-founder of The Body Shop, received a knighthood for his charitable work supporting social justice causes and fair trade.
- Further down the list, social entrepreneurs and regional business heroes from across the UK were recognised for initiatives ranging from youth employment schemes to community regeneration projects.
What This Means for UK Business
The King’s Honours List shines a light on the diversity and resilience of British enterprise, from global tech giants to high street success stories and grassroots innovators. It underscores the government’s appreciation of the critical role that entrepreneurship, ethical business practices, and investment in people play in the UK’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.
Looking Ahead
As the business leaders honoured this year receive their medals and accolades, the hope is that their achievements will inspire the next generation of UK entrepreneurs. With challenges such as global competition, technological disruption, and skills shortages, the nation’s economic future will depend on fostering a vibrant ecosystem where innovation and social responsibility go hand in hand.
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
From Clare Barclay’s strides in cloud computing to Emma Bridgewater’s championing of British manufacturing, each awardee has left an indelible mark on their sector. Their recognition at this year’s King’s Birthday Honours not only celebrates past achievements but also sets a benchmark for excellence in business leadership, reinforcing the notion that success and social purpose are not mutually exclusive in the modern UK economy.