New Year Honours List 2025

Firefighters, Pharmacists, and a Touch of Royal Recognition!

Warwickshire's own heroes get their moment in the spotlight as the King's New Year Honours List celebrates extraordinary contributions! 🎉

The King's New Year Honours List for 2025 has unveiled a shining array of remarkable individuals from Warwickshire and beyond, recognising their tireless contributions to society and local communities. Among those honoured are the fearless Warwickshire firefighters Rachel Streeting and Claire Wooldridge, whose brave efforts have not only safeguarded lives but inspired their community. Joining them are dedicated foster carers Safeena Mohammed and Kasim Sharifi, who have opened their hearts and homes, providing love and stability to vulnerable children in the area. They are part of a select group of eleven extraordinary residents being celebrated this year, proving that heroism often exists beyond the limelight.

But Warwickshire isn't the only area making headlines this New Year; Pat Cauthery of UK Export Finance has also been recognised for her tremendous impact on the UK economy. Since her tenure began in 1993, her work has significantly boosted the aerospace and defence sectors, bringing billions into the UK's coffers. The King's honours not only acknowledge these achievements but also spotlight the essential roles that such organisations play in the broader economic landscape. This year, it's not just about individual accomplishments but a celebration of collective strength across industries.

In addition to these local heroes, Michelle Riddalls, the chief executive of the PAGB (Proprietary Association of Great Britain), has been awarded an OBE for her notable contributions to the healthcare sector. Riddalls, alongside fellow pharmacists Alan Kurtz and Laura McIver, has demonstrated how healthcare professionals are pivotal in advancing the pharmaceutical industry and ensuring public wellbeing. Their commitment to bettering health services and advocating for patient safety resonates throughout the country, reminding us that every prescription and patient interaction matters.

The King's New Year Honours celebrate the unsung champions of our society, and this year is no different. From the rapid responses of our firefighters to the strategic insights of business leaders, the 2025 list is a tribute to those who elevate communities and industries alike. Whether it’s Louis Taylor, the CEO of the British Business Bank, receiving a CBE for his dedication to business and trade, or the heartfelt work of foster families like the Sharifis, these honours shine a light on the diverse contributions that keep our society thriving.