Business leaders honoured for work in the community
Business leaders from the North West have been recognised for their community work in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The awards have gone to people from all walks of life but the aim has been to recognise the work done by people in their communities.
Rachel Clacher co founder of Wrexham firm Moneypenny and founder of the charity WeMindTheGap received a CBE for her contribution to business and the community,
Rachel co-founded Moneypenny with her brother Ed Reeves, in 2000.
The firm is now the world’s leading provider of telephone answering, outsourced switchboard and live chat services, with offices in the US as well as the UK.
In 2014, Rachel brought Moneypenny’s approach to people development to a new charity which she established called the Moneypenny Foundation.
The charity is now called WeMindTheGap, which gives new opportunities in life and work to unemployed under-served young people through providing totally holistic paid traineeships.
The charity has now expanded and runs traineeships in Wrexham Flintshire, Liverpool and Manchester.
Rachel said: “I am honoured to be receiving a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s list. It is wonderful to receive acknowledgement for Moneypenny’s success and for WeMindTheGap.
“I strongly believe in doing the right thing, treating people well and providing ongoing support. This is not about ticking boxes, it’s about business and communities, and helping young people who are operating within a system that often doesn’t communicate.
“At Moneypenny we pride ourselves on our culture and empowering people to do their best and it is wonderful to see that this ethos translates into WeMindTheGap.
“The charity has grown and expanded into the North West and will continue to implement new traineeships each year so young people can transition from ‘prisoners of circumstance’ to ‘pilots of their own lives’.”
Mike Perls
The founder of marketing and communications firm MC2 Mike Perls has been awarded an MBE for services to the community of Manchester.
He said: “To be nationally recognised for my contribution to the community of a city that I love is beyond special.
“Manchester is a very special place and the collaborative leadership shown by those in public office, the charity sector and the business community creates an environment that encourages people like me to step forward and make a positive difference.
“I am privileged to be involved in some fantastic projects with some inspirational people, which are having a truly transformational impact across Greater Manchester.”
The father of four is the chair of GreaterSport, CSP to improve activity in Greater Manchester, director of the Rugby League World Cup on the board of governors at Manchester Metropolitan University, a board member of Maggie’s Cancer Care and a
trustee of the Tim Bacon Foundation.
David Gill
The former chief executive of Manchester United David Gill has been awarded a CBE for his services to football.
David Gill was in charge at Old Trafford for 10 years during an unprecedented period of success for the club.
He joined the club in 1997 as financial director before being promoted to chief executive in 2003.
Last year Mr Gill who is the current UK Vice-President of Fifa was inducted into the city of champions Hall of Fame, which celebrates the efforts of people in sport, education and business.
Merseyside businessman John Lewis, the head of SOG Group which owns and operates The Heath business and technical park in Runcorn , received an MBE.
He received the honour in recognition of services to business in Liverpool.
SOG Group is widely recognised as one of the UK’s top independent operators of business and science parks.
