Those honoured include the founder of Around Noon, Sheila Chambers, who received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the economy and community in Newry, Northern Ireland.
Chambers founded Around Noon in 1989 and was recognised for providing part-time work for mothers seeking employment. Today she continues with the company as a non-executive board member.
Also receiving MBEs were the commercial director of Prima Cheese, for services to international trade, Andy Kemp, group sales and marketing director at wholesaler, Bidfood, for services to the hospitality industry, and David McKown from the University of Sheffield, who was recognised for services to hospitality and catering training.
McKown, said: “I was very surprised to learn that I had been recognised. I am of course delighted and totally blown away to be receiving this honour and will be having a special dinner with family and close friends to celebrate!
“I would like to thank all my colleagues and industry friends who have supported me along the way. My achievements would not have been possible without the University embracing such a strong set of values and without senior colleagues supporting and encouraging me to be innovative and creative.”
Across almost three decades McKown spearheaded a series of projects aiming to boost training and education in the hospitality sector. In 1998 he created the Skills for Chefs Conference, which takes place at the university of Sheffield each summer.