East Midlands leading lights recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List
David Williams, the much-respected vice chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and chairman of law firm Geldards has received an MBE in the King’s inaugural Birthday Honours List.
William is awarded the honour for services to business and to the economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
He has lived and worked in the region for over thirty years and has long been a champion of the East Midlands, advocating for the region’s growth and prosperity. As well as his LEP, role Williams is chairman of EMB Group, non-executive director of East Midlands Chamber and board member at Nottingham Trent University. Internationally, he also regularly represents the East Midlands abroad and has participated in trade missions for the region to China as well as attending property event MIPIM, in Cannes.
He has been with Geldards since 1989.
Williams said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive an MBE for Services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I am committed to driving the East Midlands forward to become a regional powerhouse of productivity and growth for the country.
“With its unique blend of infrastructure, business innovation and superb transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the East Midlands is an outstanding and ambitious area for business to succeed and grow. With its ambitious plans our region can compete nationally and internationally to be amongst the best in which to conduct business.”
Jeff Pearson, chief executive at Geldards, added: “My congratulations go to David who is an extremely worthy recipient of an MBE for his tireless support for the East Midlands. As well as being an inspirational leader and ambassador for our firm, David has been a driving force in championing the region. Everyone at Geldards is delighted that his significant contribution to regional businesses and the economy has been recognised.”
Elsewhere, Sarah Hunter MBE, the Loughborough-based captain of the England Women’s Rugby Union team gets an CBE, Andrew Churchill, the executive chairman of Market Bosworth-based JJ Churchill gets an OBE, as does Anthony May, the former chief executive of Nottinghamshire County Council and Heather Wheeler, MP for South Derbyshire.
The first woman to referee a Football League match, Swadlincote-based Amy Fearn receives an MBE for services to football, while Stephen Hallam, the former managing director of Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe in Melton Mowbray also receives an MBE for services to the baking industry and to the community of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
Much-loved Nottingham actor, Vicky McClure also receive an MBE for services to drama and charity.
Penelope Taylor, the head of Newark College and Air and Space Institute is awarded an MBE for services to skills and employment in Newark and Sherwood.
