The King’s Birthday Honours have been published overnight and several people from the region have been recognised for their contribution to society
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM has received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Stephen Watson is amongst the most experience senior officers in the country, having joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1988; moving on to roles in Merseyside Police, The Metropolitan Police, Durham Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police which, during his tenure as Chief Constable, became the most improved force in the country for three consecutive years.
As Chief Constable of Greater Manchester since 2021, Sir Stephen has led the second largest force in the country through one of the most rapid and wide-ranging transformations in British policing history – reducing crime by 7.2%, increasing the number of crimes solved by 70% and delivering sector-leading response times.
Sir Stephen Watson said:
“I was delighted and humbled in equal measure on learning that I was to receive an honour from HM The King.
“I am immensely grateful to my wife and family for their unstinting support; they have willingly made innumerable sacrifices over many years, as is the case for so many police families.
“My own good fortune only arises because of the guidance, support and confidence provided to me by a great number of excellent colleagues over a long career.
“It has been the privilege of my life to work amongst the extraordinary officers and staff of Greater Manchester Police and in several other forces across our country.
“My honour is reflective of their sustained determination, decency and effectiveness in the service of the public.”
The chairman of the Manchester based Regeneration Company Urban Splash Tom Bloxham has been awarded a CBE
The company has been responsible for development projects across the country, including Manchester, Liverpool, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Leeds, Bradford Sheffield, Bristol, Plymouth, North Shields and Morecambe.
He has also held many other prominent positions; he was the Founding Chair of Manchester International Festival and Factory International before stepping down in 2024 having led the development of the organisation’s £250 million Aviva Studios.
He was also Founding Chair of the Centre for Cities think tank, Founding Chair of the Ancoats Urban Village Trust, Chair of the Arts Council NW, Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Trustee of The Tate Galleries, the Manchester United Foundation, The Big Issue in the North, Barbican Centre Trust and The Bloxham Charitable Trust.
Nick Massey head of the Manchester based charity Forever Manchester has also been awarded a CBE
He has been instrumental in championing and supporting community activity across Greater Manchester, helping to empower local people, build stronger neighbourhoods, and create lasting, positive change.
Commenting on the award, Nick said:
“I feel extremely privileged and even more surprised to receive a CBE. I’d assumed it was a clerical error. This recognition really belongs to the incredible team at Forever Manchester, the Board of Trustees, our volunteers, our supporters, the communities we work with every day and my wife Debbie who has supported whatever I’ve chosen to do for 40 years.
I’ve been very lucky to have been able to be a cheerleader for local community groups and the amazing work they do. It’s an honour to be part of something that genuinely makes a difference in Greater Manchester.
I’ll have to try my best to live up to the fancy letters after my name.”
In politics Tameside Council’s Harry Catherall the chief Chief Executive, at Oldham Council, and Interim Chief Executive at Tameside Council has been awarded an MBE
Ian Corner from Leigh has received the MBE for services to people with muscular dystrophy
Ian has been a Patron of Muscular Dystrophy UK since 2019 but his involvement with the charity began almost three decades earlier, after his son Matthew Ian Corner was diagnosed with the progressive muscle wasting condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Matthew was diagnosed with the condition in 1986, aged five, and sadly died in 2014 at the age of 32.
Ian said: “When I got the letter, I was gobsmacked. I certainly didn’t do any of this for recognition but I’m extremely grateful for being nominated for this honour. When I started fundraising, I just wanted to help Matthew and other children like him to live their best lives. It was a team effort, from the charity to individuals in my local community, but especially Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as Friends of Muscular Dystrophy Committee members Jim Cumbes, Fred and Les Summers, and Mike Challands. I’m so thankful for everyone’s generosity and support.
“It’s a real honour to receive an MBE and I see it as a fitting legacy for my son, who was a brave, special young man.”
The Football Board Chair of Bury FC & FSSB Board member, Marcel De Matas has received an MBE for his services to football in the town.
