Exporters and trade leaders are among those recognised in the latest Birthday Honours list, alongside those who played key roles in managing the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Trade secretary Liz Truss congratulated exporters for championing trade across the globe as the UK forges new partnerships as an independent trading nation.
“I look forward to continuing to celebrate investors in the UK and those who export overseas, showcasing UK goods all around the world. It is a testament to the innovativeness and creativity of our UK businesses,” she said.
The news comes as the month of April witnessed the UK’s highest export growth rate since last July, as reported in IOE&IT Daily Bulletin.
Those honoured include:
- Andrew Jennings, Global Retail Advisor (OBE) – an advisor and board member to international retailers, private equity organisations and consulting groups
- Paul Grover, chair of Liverpool China Partnership (MBE) – an export champion for the Department of International Trade (DIT) for some years. As chair of the LCP, he has helped organisations and businesses looking to build ties with China
- Georgina Delaney, founder of The Great Outdoor Gym Company (MBE) – the company trades multi-nationally and the Department of International Trade named it as one of its Export Champions. The business in one of only 10 high growth potential companies that have been selected for an intensive trade support programme
- Steven Mifsud, director of Direct Access Consultancy Limited (MBE) – the Wrexham disability accessibility consultancy advises organisations on how to improve access to premises and services for disabled people. It has shared British innovation and expertise in many export markets
Vaccine efforts rewarded
This year’s honours tilt towards those who have contributed towards the fight against coronavirus, reports the FT. Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute, is made a dame for her role in developing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
The FT also names Adam Marshall, former director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, who receives a CBE for his contribution, and Charlotte Crosswell, former chief executive of Innovate Finance, the financial technology trade group, who is recognised with an OBE.
