The King’s New Year Honours list for 2025 has recognised several prominent Scottish business leaders and entrepreneurs for their exceptional contributions to the economy and society.
Business leaders recognised include Helena Good, Edinburgh-based founder and director of education innovator not-for-profit, Daydream Believers, who was made an MBE. Jennifer Craw, co-founder and chief executive of private sector-led economic development catalyst Opportunity North East (ONE), was awarded an MBE.
Also among those honoured is Chris Stark, the former Climate Change Committee chief executive who is now heading up the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 unit.
Mr Stark, a former director of energy and climate change in the Scottish Government, is becoming a CBE for services to tackling climate change.
Several Scottish sports and media personalities with significant public profiles have also been honoured. David Moyes and Alan Hansen, both former Scotland internationals, have been awarded an OBE and an MBE respectively for their services to football, while broadcaster Jackie Bird has received an MBE for her services to broadcasting and charities.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The King’s New Year’s Honours list recognises exceptional individuals – from unsung heroes to well-known names.
“Each recipient is worthy of their award and has made a significant difference to their community or excelled in their field.”
He added: “These honours celebrate the best of Scotland’s courageous spirit and sense of community. Congratulations and my personal thanks to every worthy recipient.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “I congratulate all Scots the length and breadth of the country who have been honoured by His Majesty the King in his New Year Honours list.”
