Recipients include chief executive of Cardiff and Vale College Mike James and chair of FinTech Wales Sarah Williams-Gardiner
Leading figures from the Welsh business and education sectors were recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List.
Co-founder of Denbigh-based prosthetic innovation company LIMB-art Dr Mark Owen Williams has been appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to prosthetics.
Dr Williams along with his wife Rachael, founded LIMB-art in 2018.
The company has gained international recognition for it injection-moulded prosthetic leg covers, which combine bold design with functionality, helping prosthetic users feel confident and express their individuality.
Dr Williams said: “My first reaction was total disbelief. I sat there with Rachael facing me. There was a long pause, then pride – not just for me, but for everyone who’s been part of the journey: my family, Rachael, the LIMB-art team, and the wider limb-loss community.
“It felt less like a personal award and more like recognition of a message I’ve lived by since losing my leg at 10 years old: focus on what you can do, stand out, and be proud.”
Also receiving an OBE is chair of representative body for the fintech sector in Wales, FinTech Wales, Sarah Williams-Gardener, in recognition of her contribution to financial services and charitable work.
She said: “For the dyslexic girl who didn’t always shine academically, this moment feels especially meaningful. I hope it shows others like me that there are many paths to success – and the world can be your oyster too. These honours are never about one individual. They reflect the incredible colleagues, phenomenal teams, friends, challenging mentors and family who make everything possible
“Very few achieve anything alone. I accept this recognition with humility and gratitude, and with renewed commitment to serve the financial services sector, support Welsh economic growth, and continue my charitable commitments.”
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Former chairman of Glamorgan Cricket Barry O’ Brien receives an OBE for contributions to law, cricket, and charitable causes.
One of six boys, Mr O’ Brien was born and raised in Cardiff and is a product of St Illtyd’s, following which he read law at University College London
He become one of the leading corporate lawyers in the UK and during his time at Freshfields, he advised on some of the most significant transactions in the firm’s history.
He joined the Glamorgan committee in 2007 at the request of the late Paul Russell and stepped into the role of chair in 2011 at a pivotal moment in the club’s history.
Together with the club’s treasurer, Hamish Buckland, they successfully negotiated a substantial restructuring of the club’s debts incurred during the redevelopment of Sophia Gardens to a test match venue.
In 2018 he joined the board of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), taking on the role of chair in October 2021.
Mr O’ Brien said: “I was obviously delighted to receive this honour and I am particularly grateful to Mark Rhydderch-Roberts (chair of Glamorgan) and Dan Cherry (chief executive) for the very significant contribution that the Club played in securing the award.
“I have made too many friends from within the club to mention them all, but I must call out two names. David Morgan (a former chair of Glamorgan and the ECB) for his wise guidance and his MI5 like intelligence worldwide on any cricket issue. And of course, Hugh Morris.
“The cricket community worldwide came to a halt when the news of Hugh’s death was announced. Hugh was a great servant of the game at the ECB and following his return to Glamorgan, I had the pleasure to work in partnership with him.
“Devoted to Debbie and his twin daughters, Hugh was a true gentleman and a true friend. He was also a great sportsman, excelling at rugby and golf in addition to his extraordinary achievements on the cricket field. He will be missed terribly but never forgotten.”
Chairman of Transport for Wales, Vernon Everitt has been awarded a CBE in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public transport.
As well as being chair of Transport for Wales, a role he took up last summer having previously been a non-executive member of the board, Mr Everitt is also transport commissioner and chair of transport for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, where he played a pivotal role in the delivery of major transport improvements.
Chief executive of Cardiff and Vale College, Mike James, has been awarded an MBE for his significant contribution to education and future skills across Wales and the UK.
Under his leadership the college has expanded to become the third largest and one of the fastest growing in the UK with its expanding campus portfolio. After a successful career in the engineering sector, Mr James moved into further education and holding senior roles in a number of colleges across the UK, before joining Cardiff and Vale College as its first chief executive in 2011.
Geraint Evans MBE, chair of Corporation for Cardiff and Vale College Group said, “Mike is an entrepreneur, who has grown Cardiff and Vale College Group from £46m to £131m turnover in the last 10 years, creating the educational powerhouse it is today, collaborating across sectors and impacting on the community, business and economy of the region.”
Sharon James-Evans, principal of Cardiff and Vale College, said, “As well as a respected leader and astute businessman, Mike is a passionate champion and vocal campaigner of education and skills as a powerful agent for change – tackling poverty and supporting equality, creating prosperous communities and a thriving economy. We are delighted to see this recognised.”
The are also MBEs for the co-founders of one of Wales’ leading export firms, Pontyclun-based Concrete Canvas, William Campbell Crawford and Peter Eric Brewin. Mr Brewin is recognised for services to engineering materials innovation with his co-director Mr Crawford is also recognised for services to exports.
Also receiving MBEs are Andrew Mathias, head of communications for economy and infrastructure at the Welsh Government, for services to LGBTQ+ community in Wales, while Sebastian Alexander McVicker-Orringe portfolio lead, risk and intelligence service, HM Revenue and Customs,is honoured in recognition for services to tackling offshore tax non-compliance.
Founder and chief executive of Cardiff-based R4 Advertising, Matt Jones, has been awarded an MBE for services to entrepreneurship and advertising.
