Four of Britain’s most prominent businesswomen have been awarded damehoods in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising their exceptional contributions to UK industry, innovation, and leadership across a wide range of sectors.
Emma Bridgewater, founder of the iconic ceramics brand that bears her name, has been honoured for her services to ceramics. Since establishing the company in 1985, Bridgewater has played a central role in revitalising Stoke-on-Trent’s traditional pottery industry. Her brand, known for its hand-decorated, colourful tableware, has grown into a £36 million business and earned B-Corporation status in 2022 for its social and environmental commitments.
Nationwide Building Society CEO Debbie Crosbie has also been named a Dame for her pioneering leadership in financial services. Appointed in 2022, Crosbie has led the mutual through a period of significant growth, including the £2.9 billion acquisition of Virgin Money. Under her leadership, Nationwide introduced a profit-sharing scheme that returned £100 to millions of members.
Clare Barclay, who served as Microsoft UK CEO until 2024 and now oversees enterprise and industry operations across EMEA, was recognised for her role in expanding the tech giant’s UK presence. She led the company through a period of major growth, with UK sales rising to £9.6 billion, and also chaired the UK government’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.
Anne Glover, CEO of venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners, has been honoured for her leadership in science and entrepreneurship. A strong advocate for channelling pension fund capital into high-growth British start-ups, Glover has long championed innovation and investment in the UK’s tech sector.
Several other business figures were recognised in this year’s honours list. Sky CEO Dana Strong, Specsavers co-founder Doug Perkins, and insurance entrepreneur David Howden each received CBEs. Greggs CEO Roisin Currie, Ocado chief Hannah Gibson, and Pets at Home boss Lyssa McGowan were also among the recipients of top honours.
In financial services, Citigroup UK CEO Tiina Lee and former LGIM head Michelle Scrimgeour received CBEs, while Ruth Handcock of Octopus Money was awarded an OBE.
Recognition also extended to smaller enterprise champions, with Shevaun Haviland of the British Chambers of Commerce receiving a CBE and Craig Beaumont of the Federation of Small Businesses earning an OBE.
Other honours included a knighthood for Gordon Roddick, co-founder of The Body Shop, for philanthropic work, and awards for leaders in aerospace, chemicals, accounting, and media. Among the more unique accolades was an MBE for Peter Chan, founder of Herons Bonsai, for his contributions to business and the ancient art of bonsai.
The 2024 honours reflect a broad celebration of British entrepreneurialism and innovation, spanning fields from technology and finance to manufacturing and the arts.
