Region’s finest celebrate Birthday Honours
A NUMBER of leading North West business people are celebrating after receiving recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Best known is Hilary Devey, the Bolton-born former Dragon’s Den investor, who will receive a CBE for services to the transport industry and charity.
The businesswoman, who now lives in the East Midlands, founded Pall-Ex Group, a logistics group.
Hilary Devey said: “It is wonderful to receive such recognition, but this should be less about me, and more about the charities that I support and the amazing transport sector in which I am privileged to work.
“So I dedicate my honour to The Carers Trust, The Stroke Association, and Fresh Start – New Beginnings and the other charities that I have tried to support, as well as to the lorry drivers, forklift truck drivers and everyone else who works in the logistics sector: the unsung heroes of British industry.”
Also receiving the CBE is Dana Ross-Wawrzynski, the executive head teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, which is consistently ranked among the best state schools in the country.
Geoff Driver, former leader of Lancashire County Council – was also made CBE for services to local government along with Max Steinberg, Liverpool Vision’s chief executive – for services to business and to the community in Liverpool.
Kamal Basran, founder of Stockport- based Authentic Foods from Wilmslow was awarded the OBE for services to business and charity, along with Mike Davies, chair of Manchester Airports Group.
The MBE went to Dr Teresa Anderson, director of the University of Manchester’s Discovery Centre, Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, for services to astrophysics.
Receiving the same honour is Kathleen Boullen, chief executive of St Helen’s Chamber for services to business in the North West.
Cheshire-based John Downs, managing director of Cosmo Leisure, also becomes MBE for services to the leisure industry.
Jonathan Falkingham, an architect and the lesser-known co-founder of Manchester property group Urban Splash, was also recognised for services to architecture and regeneration.
Tameside businesswoman, Lynn Kerfoot, managing director of New Land Engineering Company will also take the MBE.
Rossendale-based Richard Morgan chief engineer at MediaCity-located BBC Sport was also honoured for his work around the London 2012 Olympics.
Small business campaigner Phil Orford, chief executive of the Knutsford-based lobby group Forum of Private Businesses, will also become an MBE along with Michael Peters, chief executive of Lancashire pharmaceutical manufacturing company UPL, who receives his MBE for for services to industry in the North West and charity.
