• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Monday January 6 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Region’s business leaders recognised in New Years Honours

Business leaders from across the region have been recognised in the New Years Honours list.

Harry Destecroix

The founder of Bristol-based Science Creates, Harry Destecroix, has been awarded an MBE for his services to science.

Science Creates – which was established to support the city’s deep tech industry by providing innovative spin-outs with lab space – celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

“I am deeply humbled to be receiving this MBE in recognition of Science Creates. This honour is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the talented team that has shaped Science Creates from its modest beginnings into the thriving community it is today.

“This recognition also acknowledges all the Deep Tech founders and companies who dare to challenge the status quo. They are at the core of what we do at Science Creates and deserve to be recognised for their critical role in driving innovation, strengthening the UK economy, and advancing human and planetary health – not just for today, but for the future.”

Margot Cooper

Staying in science, Margot Cooper, founder and president of Bristol-based Limbs and Things, has been awarded an OBE for services to 3D medical simulation training.

For almost 35 years Margot has been at the forefront of developing innovative medical teaching simulators that enable clinicians to build procedural confidence and competence; improving patient outcomes.

Trained as a medical artist, Margot identified a critical need for hands-on training equipment to enhance the learning experience. With the support of her family, she founded Limbs & Things from her kitchen counter.

From there the business has flourished, designing and manufacturing simulators in the firm’s Bristol factory that are helping to save lives in over forty countries.

“It is a great personal honour to receive this award,” said Margot.

“It is the result of a huge amount of vision, effort and skill on the part of many people, starting with the support of Nic Cooper, the collaboration with visionary mentors in the medical world driving structured methods of training, and the work of skilled sculptors developing training models.”

Peter Clegg

In Bath, Peter Clegg, founding partner of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, has been recognised with an OBE for his contribution to architecture.

The honour celebrates Peter’s pioneering role in sustainable design and his 45-year career dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and socially conscious built environment.

“This honour acknowledges the long history of the practice in promoting environmentally and socially responsible architecture,” said Peter.

“It is a testament to the hundreds of people who have been part of the practice and the clients, contractors, and consultants who have enabled us to explore new approaches to design.”

Ruth Cairnie, the chair of defence firm Babcock has been awarded a damehood for her services to industry.

Ruth is the first female chair in the firm’s 130-year history and was the first woman to chair a major UK defence company.

Ruth has been recognised for Babcock’s role in supporting national security via the operation of Skynet, the Ministry of Defence’s satellite communication system.

Ruth Cairnie

“I believe strongly that the UK benefits greatly from having leading sovereign companies and have been fortunate to serve with a number of them,” said Ruth.

“It is a great privilege to be the chair of Babcock and to support the team in the critical reset they have delivered.

“I am also highly committed to the importance of diversity in business and am encouraged by the gradual but continued increase in female representation in Defence, Energy and other sectors. I am deeply honoured by this recognition.”

Babcock has sites across the UK including one at Corsham in Wiltshire.

In Berkshire, Mark Lawrie, CEO of StreetGames and chair of trustees at the Personal Best Foundation has been awarded an OBE for services to education and to young people.

Mark Lawrie

Mark has led StreetGames since 2021, driving the charity’s mission to harness the power of sport to create positive change for young people living in the UK’s most underserved communities.

Mark, who lives in Thatcham, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects the hard work and passion of the entire team at StreetGames and the Personal Best Foundation, as well as the incredible community organisations we support.

“Our shared goal is to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their potential, no matter their background.”

And Michael Cooper, formerly head of the grants hub at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has been awarded an OBE for public service.

Michael qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC before joining the Civil Service. He is chair of the learning and development arm of Swindon-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and co-founder of Reading Tech Cluster, which aims to improve interconnectedness in the Reading Thames Valley tech ecosystem.