New Year Honours List 2021: Property and retail bosses among business leaders named

CBE  

*Chris Grigg, the former chief executive of property giant British Land, for services to business, particularly during the Covid-19 response.

*Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, for services to small businesses and to entrepreneurs.

*Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates, for services to technology and to business in London.

*Melanie Smith, chief executive  of Ocado Retail, for services to retail and the food supply chain during the Covid-19 response.

Smith said: “This award is for the whole of Ocado Retail; 2020 has been a remarkable year for everyone, including those working in the grocery retail sector. I’ve been humbled and totally inspired by the amazing job that my team has done this year. As well as navigating the challenges of the pandemic, we also managed the biggest change to our range in two decades, with the launch of M&S at Ocado.”

Smith added: “This will be an unforgettable year for everyone. I’m proud of the role that Ocado continues to play in feeding the nation during these difficult times.”

*Jo Whitfield, chief executive, food Co-op Group,  for services to retail and the food supply chain during the Covid-19 response”.

Whitfield said: “It is a great honour, and in reality is a valuable recognition for all my colleagues at the Co-op who have gone above and beyond to help feed the nation and support communities during the coronavirus pandemic. They have worked tirelessly to keep shops open and stocked and also help food banks at a time of need.”  

*Christopher Woolard, former interim chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority.  For services to financial regulation and financial technology innovation .

Woolard said: “I’m delighted. This award really recognises two things - the outstanding work done by many colleagues during the Covid-19 emergency, and the world leading role the FCA has played over the last few years in fintech. I’m proud to have been part of these and the recognition this gives to the the FCA’s role.”

OBE

*Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, for services to the hospitality sector, particularly during the Covid-19 response.

Nicholls said: “While I am personally humbled and honoured to receive this recognition, I have to pay tribute to the entire UKH team for their tireless work and campaigning throughout this year, continually highlighting to Government the specific challenges our sector faces.””

Nicholls added: “This year has been one of continued despair and heartbreak for hard-pressed hospitality businesses. They were hit first and hit hardest by the pandemic but, despite this, there have been countless inspirational examples of leadership, resilience and collaboration, of people coming together to support their local communities during this unprecedented time, helping to feed frontline NHS and key workers, the homeless and support others in need. It is those values that make me proud to have represented and been part of such a wonderful sector for many years.”