Recognised
in this year’s Honours is the Coventry and Warwickshire chairman of the
Federation of Small Businesses, Ian O’Donnell.
Ian, who
is the owner of Real Point in Hampton-in-Arden, has been awarded an MBE for his
outstanding service to the community.
The local
businessman and married dad-of-two is also chairman of Birmingham Business
Breakfast Club, on the board of the Solihull Safer Partnerships, an active
member and trustee of the local church where he leads a weekly youth group and
also finds time to be a member of Massey Ferguson running club and Parkrun.
He said:
“It was such a surprise when I opened the letter and read that I had been
awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours. I am absolutely thrilled.
“Running a
small business is challenging but it’s also really rewarding to be able to
provide employment and career opportunities for local people.
"I am
passionate about small businesses and that’s why I work so hard in my role as
chairman for the FSB to help raise awareness of the needs of small firms and to
lobby at both a local and national level.
“Working
with young people both in church and elsewhere is highly rewarding and the
running just makes sure I have the energy for everything else.”
