Greater Manchester’s packed with grafters who go the extra mile, and this year’s King’s Birthday Honours prove it. From coppers and campaigners to changemakers and cultural leaders, the region’s got plenty to shout about.
Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of GMP, has been knighted for services to policing. Since taking the reins in 2021, he’s dragged the force out of special measures and turned it into one of the most improved in the country. Crime’s down, detection’s up, and he’s giving full credit to his team for backing the mission.
Tom Bloxham, MBE, has been awarded a CBE for services to culture. He’s the man behind Urban Splash and founding chair of Manchester International Festival and Factory International. Under his leadership, MIF gained global recognition and helped bring Aviva Studios to life. Tom, who’s also a judge at the I Love Manchester Awards, said he’s buzzing to see the efforts of his team and partners finally get the nod from the top.
Nick Massey, Chief Exec of Forever Manchester, was also awarded a CBE for nearly 30 years backing grassroots community work. He’s helped hand out over £65 million to local projects – from food banks and football teams to knit and natter groups. Nick said he was shocked to get the award and reckons it’s one for the full Forever Manchester family. “I’ve just been lucky to cheer on the people doing amazing work in our neighbourhoods.”
Also recognised is Joanne Darbyshire from Bolton, co-founder of the National Leasehold Campaign, honoured for her work supporting leaseholders. John Whiston from Sale, boss at ITV Studios and head of ITV in the North, was recognised for his contribution to telly and broadcasting.
Jane Kenyon, founder of Girls Out Loud, was awarded an MBE for her work championing gender equality. Last year, she also picked up the Emmeline Pankhurst Award at the 2023 I Love MCR Awards for her tireless work empowering young women across the region.
Others picking up MBEs include Robert Carter from Bolton for his work with young people at OnSide, Harry Catherall from Stalybridge for public service across Oldham and Tameside councils, and Scott Darraugh from Rochdale, who’s been a force for good in Salford through his social enterprise, Social adVentures. Dr Marcel De Matas was recognised for his leadership at Bury FC, Richard Ikin from Altrincham for services to farming, Brett Mendell from Manchester for leadership and sustainability, and Andy Smith for political and public service across the North.
Dwayne Wells from Saddleworth, who leads the commercial team at Arriva Yorkshire, received a Medal of the Order of the British Empire for his work in the bus sector.
One of the youngest honourees, Joseph William Adams, 22, from Altrincham, received a British Empire Medal for raising over £425,000 for disability sport. Despite hating running, he launched the ‘No Limits’ challenge – 10 10Ks in five days across ten countries – to raise money for a Disability Sports Officer at Altrincham FC. His efforts have helped kick off a new social enterprise to support adults with special needs and changed perceptions of what’s possible with the right mindset.
From leadership and public service to telly, football, farming, and fundraising, this year’s honours are packed with stories of passion, pride, and proper Manc grit.
