Queen’s Birthday Honours for local business figures

BUSINESS figures from the West Midlands are amongst those to have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

GKN Aerospace chief executive Marcus Bryson, from Stratford, has been awarded a CBE for services to the UK aerospace sector.

Bryson is also president of the UK’s premier aerospace, defence, security and space trade organisation, ADS Group.

Bridget Blow, who became the first female president of Birmingham Chamber in 2008, received a CBE.

Ms Blow was honored for services to business in the West Midlands and the British Chambers of Commerce movement. 

She said: “I am delighted that my work to raise the profile of chambers of commerce has been recognised. Chambers exist to create thriving business communities and there are no great cities without flourishing businesses.”

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “I am delighted that Bridget’s services to chambers of commerce, has been recognised. We were very fortunate to have the support of someone of Bridget’s calibre as president.”

Ms Blow also chaired the Development Board of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Birmingham and Solihull with East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth. 

She said: “When the coalition government detonated regional development agencies and wanted local enterprise partnerships, it was Birmingham chamber that stepped-up and wrote the plan.  The UK needs to invest more in chambers so that we exploit this network much more.”

Ms Blow has also been non-executive director (Deputy Chairman) of Coventry Building Society, non-executive director of Birmingham Hippodrome and chair of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. 

Amrik Bhabra, director of Coventry-based IT firm ADECS and former president of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded an MBW for services to business and the community.

Bhabra is also on the Advisory Group for Common Purpose in Coventry and Warwickshire and chairman for Coventry & Warwickshire Young Enterprise.
He also sits on the Belgrade Theatre Trust board.

Brian Gambles, the assistant director of culture at Birmingham City Council has received an MBE for services to libraries.

Gambles worked on the project to bring the new landmark Library of Birmingham, which opened last September, to the city.

David Eastwood, the vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham, has been knighted.

Sir David has been honoured in recognition of his services to higher education and his efforts to enhance the UK’s reputation in this field.

He is currently chairman of the Russell Group, which represents 24 leading UK universities and chairman of Universitas 21, the global network of research universities.

Kim Thorneywork, from Stourbridge, interim chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency, is awarded the OBE for services to educationl learning and skills.

Cllr Paul Tilsley, former deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, is awarded a CBE for services to local government.

John Flanner, an administraive assistant at HM Reveune and Customs in Birmingham gets an MBE for services to diversity and equity, while Pamela Mason, senior officer at HMRC in Brierley Hill gets the same award for services to young people and voluntary service.

Amanda Thorn, managing director of Marches Care Ltd  and chair of the Shropshire Business Board is awarded an MBE for services to dementia care.

Julie Cowley, of Bromsgrove, is awarded the BEM for services to cricket for her work as event co-ordinator of last year’s ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston.