Over the past decade, the New Year and Birthday Awards have increasingly reflected the changing shape of the UK economy, from scale-up founders and fintech pioneers to industry leaders and advocates of responsible capitalism.
These numbers are notable for their lasting economic impact, not just their fame.
Sir Richard Branson
Founder, Virgin Group
Branson has already been knighted and continues to receive recognition for his contributions to entrepreneurship, employment and philanthropy. Its Virgin ecosystem remains one of Britain’s best-known corporate exports globally.
Sir James Dyson
Founder, Dyson
Recognized for its achievements in design, engineering and innovation, Dyson’s investment in advanced manufacturing and research and development has strengthened the UK’s reputation for high-quality engineering even as production has become increasingly global.
Lady Carolyn McCall
Managing Director, ITV
Known for his achievements in broadcasting and business management, McCall is widely recognized for modernizing traditional organizations, first at easyJet and then at ITV, while championing diversity at senior management level.
Sir Mike Ashley
Founder of Frasers Group
A controversial but undeniable force in British retail, Ashley’s knighthood recognized decades of value creation, job creation and investment in Britain’s high streets and sports retail.
Lady Emma Walmsley
Managing Director, GSK
Walmsley, one of the UK’s most senior female executives, was recognized for her services to the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, a sector that is increasingly important to the UK’s economic future.
Sir Charles Dunstone
Co-founder of Carphone Warehouse
Dunstone was honored for his contributions to business and charities, helping to shape the UK consumer telecoms market. He later became a leader in philanthropy and social enterprise.
Sir Ian Cheshire
Former CEO, Kingfisher
Cheshire has been recognized for his services to business and sustainability and has played a key role in embedding environmental responsibility into board-level decision-making in UK companies.
Dame Sharon White
Former Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership
Known for his services to business and the public sector, White has bridged regulation, retail and governance during one of the most challenging times for UK consumer businesses.
Taken together, these honors represent a shift from pure industrial-age recognition to leaders who combine commercial success with innovation, governance reform and long-term societal impact, a trend that will be further reinforced in the 2026 New Year Honors.
