Female business leaders recognised in New Year Honours List

Two prominent East Midlands female business leaders have been recognised in the New Year Honours List 2023.

Natalie Gasson-McKinley, development manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, receives an MBE for services to businesses in the East Midlands, while Sally Gillborn, chief executive of the North Notts Business Improvement District receives an MBE.

Gasson-McKinley told TheBusinessDesk.com: “To receive an MBE for my services to business in the East Midlands, in King Charles III’s very first New Year Honours List is beyond comprehension.

“I wear my love for businesses and the East Midlands on my sleeve with pride. I’m passionate about supporting our growth, ambition and potential, both within and outside the realms of my day job.

“My volunteer contributions to the region’s businesses make me incredibly happy. Time given is done without the expectation of receiving anything in return, other than to see businesses flourish, which means the East Midlands flourishes too. However, to have my contributions recognised and acknowledged is an incredible feeling.

“I am incredibly grateful to those who worked to make this Honour happen, I am humbled by their recognition and support.

Anita Frew, the chair of Rolls-Royce, becomes a Dame, while Katherine Faulkner, chair of Newark-based Home Buying and Selling Group receives an OBE.

– Professor Terry Moore, emeritus professor, University of Nottingham, receives an OBE for services to satellite navigation
– Dr Mayur Keshavji Lakhani CBE, chair, faculty of medical leadership and management and general practitioner, Highgate Medical Centre, Loughborough, receives a knighthood
– Sally Cowan, of Belper, receives an MBE for services to sports garment research
– Veejaykumar Chimanlal Patel, founder of Leicester-based Business 2 Business UK, receives an MBE for employment and training