Trio of knighthoods for leading South West figures

Three high profile people from the South West have received knighthoods from the new King.

This year’s honours have put the focus on the contributions individuals have made through science, industry and the arts.

And in the South West knighthoods have gone to a businessman, journalist turned politician and a leading academic.

Exeter MP and former government minister Ben Bradshaw has received a knighthood.

Sir Ben became a politician following an award-winning career as a journalist.

He was elected MP for Exeter at the 1997 General Election, becoming only the second Labour MP to represent the city.

He campaigned for the Meteorological Office to relocate to the city and he also played a key role in Exeter being allocated funding to upgrade its vital flood defences and to improve the resilience of the railway line at Cowley Bridge.

He became Minister for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare in 2003, having previously served as a junior Foreign Office Minister and Deputy Leader

He led the Government’s response to Avian Influenza and Bovine Tuberculosis and was also responsible for the landmark Animal Welfare Act 2006. In June 2009 he entered Cabinet as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, helping to ensure that the Olympic Games in 2012 would secure a lasting legacy.

Sir Ben was one of the first openly gay MPs and is a campaigner for LGBTQ rights.

Last year he announced he would not be standing in the next General Election.

The chief executive of leisure group Merlin Entertainments Nick Varney is also receiving a knighthood.

The award has come in the same year that Sir Nick announced his retirement from the business he helped to grow into a global leader.

As chief executive since 1999, he has built the Poole based business into a global leader, operating over 140 attractions, 23 hotels and six holiday villages in 24 countries across four continents.

Merlin Entertainments was formed in 1999 following the £47m management buyout of Vardon Entertainments led by Nick, who subsequently became chief executive of the rebranded group.

Venues include Alton Towers and Legoland and the company is now the second largest in the world in its field.

At peak it employs over 28,000 people and has been a huge British business success, creating memories for millions of families.

The expansion of the company has also seen many brands that were originally developed in the UK – such as Madame Tussauds, Sea Life and Dungeons – exported, with new attractions overseas.

Merlin’s UK HQ provides support to the Sea Life Trust charity, which works globally to protect the world’s oceans and the marine life within them.

He has also been integral to the creation of the Merlin’s Magic Wand charity, which provides complimentary tickets and funds a contribution towards travel for children facing serious illness, disability, or adversity to enjoy a day with their family at a Merlin Entertainments’ attraction.

The charity also provides Magic Spaces sensory and attraction-themes areas in hospitals, hospices and orphanages where children are unable to travel.

Sir Nick said: “I’m incredibly humbled and proud to have been awarded this accolade. Having worked in the tourism and leisure industry for over 30 years, I have had the privilege of helping to build Merlin from a small British business to the global company it is today. This enormous honour is shared with all those at Merlin both past and present, who were part of that amazing journey.

“Following the difficulties the hospitality and tourism industry experienced during the pandemic, this knighthood reinforces the importance of our sector to the UK, one which contributes more than £130bn each year to the British economy. I’m proud to have played my part in that and will continue to champion and support this amazing industry.”

Steve West, the vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England is one of the best known figures in the region.

The academic leader and President of Universities UK has made major contributions to education, health and business, underpinned by a profound commitment to transforming lives.

He leads one of the largest universities in the UK which teaches over 37,000 students across three campuses in 10 countries, with a proud track record of widening access.

He is the first President of Universities UK from a Post-92 university. He has worked in partnership with the Government, the regulator and Student Minds to support the University Mental Health Charter.

He is a leading voice on mental health, including student suicide and most recently calling for proactive decisions to involve trusted contacts.

Professor West is also a key figure on the business scene in the West of England.

He became Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Gloucestershire in 2012 and was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s Honours list 2017, for services to Higher Education.

Professor West is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Patron of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Patron of Royal West of England Academy and Honorary Vice President of the Bristol Record Society.

He is also a Member of The Society of Merchant Venturers.

Susie Hewson has been appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honor’s List, for her services to women’s health and to the environment.

Susie is the founder of Natracare, the world’s first brand of organic and natural period products. She is an environmentalist, a pioneer, and disruptor who has tirelessly striven for plastic free periods and an end to period poverty since 1989. Back in the early 80’s, when she was in college in Sweden, she became concerned about the source of contamination of her local streams after noticing how the river Mölndalsån changed colours, in part due to pollution fed from nearby factories processing pulp destined for disposable, absorbent products.

Natracare continues to thrive and grow, and in 2018, the company received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for exports. Susie’s company is based in Bristol, where she drives the brand’s mission to design for change for the benefit of women’s health and with due care for nature’s resources and the circular economy. G

She said: “ The work I have been doing these past 33 years in raising awareness and making changes happen has not been an easy journey. It gives me confidence that the tasks I challenged have been recognised as of importance and value, so I am proud to accept the honour with good grace.”