Yorkshire business leaders rewarded in King’s Birthday Honours

Prominent Yorkshire and Humber business figures have topped the list of honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Among there are Roy Bailie, chairman of Leeds-based Bailie Group and a significant contributor to public life and civic society in Northern Ireland. He was awarded a CBE for services to the economy and opera in Northern Ireland.

Bailie is an entrepreneur and business leader, with over 60 years of experience in senior management and governance in public, private and community organisations.

He has held previous non-executive director roles, including on the Court of Directors for the Bank of England and as chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, chairman of Northern Ireland Confederation of British Industry(CBI), and Court of Directors for Bank of Ireland.

He has grown his company, Baird Group, now known as Bailie Group, to become the fifth biggest privately owned printing group in the UK. Bailie said: “I feel greatly honoured to have been recognised for my services to the economy.

“The transformation of Bailie Group over the years is truly astonishing, starting as a technical printing company and expanding into a modern, highly efficient group of agencies and consultancies with the collective mission to improve people’s lives by sharing knowledge.

“I’m exceedingly proud of the success of Bailie Group which my son Fergus continues to drive forward, by striving to innovate and exceed growth targets for every company in the group.”

Supriya Nagarajan

Recognised in the creative industries was West Yorkshire businesswoman Supriya Nagarajan, who has received a BEM for her work as founder, CEO and artistic director of Dewsbury-based arts organisation, Manasamitra.

She said: “Through Manasamitra, I am honoured to be able to connect with so many people through arts, helping them to express themselves, experience different cultures, and transport people into a mindful space.

“Music and the arts have allowed me to follow my passion and help others to do the same.

“The arts are so important to our communities here in the UK, I hope that my recognition will help to showcase the importance and value of the arts, here in Yorkshire and across the nation.”

Other awards for business people in the region went to:

Lesley Wild, of Harrogate, lately chair of Bettys and Taylors, who was awarded a CBE for services to Business and Trade.

James Sommerville, originally from West Yorkshire. He was awarded an OBE for his services to the creative industry. This was through his Huddersfield-based start-up company, funded by The King’s Trust.

Christopher Berridge, of York, who is managing director of Paneltex. Awarded an OBE for services to Business, to Exports and to the Environment.

Jacqueline Gedman, of Huddersfield. Lately chief executive of Kirklees Council. Awarded an OBE for services to Business and to the community in Kirklees.

Sharon Kemp, chief executive of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. Awarded an OBE for services to Business and to the community in Rotherham.

Susan Grant, of Huddersfield. Founder of The Body Doctor. Awarded an MBE for services to Entrepreneurship.

Kevin Kiely, of Sheffield. Chief executive officer of Medilink UK. Awarded an MBE for services to the Life Sciences Sector.

Geppino Dammone, of Leeds. Director of Salvo’s Restaurant in Leeds. Awarded a BEM for services to Hospitality.

Gianfranco Dammone, of Leeds. Managing director of Salvo’s Restaurant in Leeds. Awarded a BEM for services to Hospitality.