Lancashire's business people recognised on Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Two Lancashire business figures have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Tony Grimshaw

Tony Grimshaw, director of the Padiham-based plastics manufacturer What More UK, is to receive an OBE for his work in international export trade.

He said: "I'm incredibly proud to be a Lancastrian too and hope that this recognition helps me fly the flag for North West businesses.

“I feel honoured to be a part of What More UK and am keen to share this accolade with my colleagues.

“They're a wonderful team without whom What More wouldn't be the industry leader it is today. The OBE may be in my name, but it's a tribute to all their hard work too.

[caption id="attachment_68928" align="f-align-medium-right f-align-center" width="176"] Simon Rigby[/caption]

“I also want to thank UKTI, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and our trade association BHETA for the support they have given What More over the years."

Simon Rigby, who owns major organisations including Preston’s Guild Hall and The Villa chain of venues, is to be awarded an MBE for services to business in the North of England.

He said: “I’m going to write to all the staff and thank them because, if you look at the business we do in the north of England, I’m the gaffer but if you look at the work done on the ground it’s done by 2,500 staff. So really, it’s for all of us. “I think it’s great for the whole team, it’s recognition of the efforts of the whole team.”