Members of University community named in New Year Honours 2026
The New Year Honours List for 2026 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping the country. This year, nearly 1,200 inspirational people have been recognised, some of which we are proud to say are part of our University community.
Alumnus Robert Rams has been awarded with an MBE for Political Service. Robert is a senior public affairs leader and political strategist with over 25 years of experience navigating UK politics and industry. He graduated from a Politics & Contemporary History degree in 2001.
Andy Dewhurst graduated in 1980 with a BSc in Finance & Accounting and has been awarded a BEM for Charitable Service. Andy is the Co-Founder of the Barking Badgers cycling club.
Alumna Liz Woodworth has also received a BEM for services to Smoking Cessation. She has spent than 30 years dedicated to respiratory health, tobacco control and improving lives of those affected by smoking related harm. Liz studied a PgDip in Environmental & Public Health, graduating in 2014.
Guest lecturer Clive Tyldesley has also been awarded an OBE for services to Sports Broadcasting and to Charity. The multi-award-winning broadcaster is one of the most recognisable voices in sports commentary and teaches students on our BA Sports Journalism course at MediaCity. Clive lectures alongside his regular broadcasting duties as a lead football commentator for CBS Sports, bringing regular insights straight from the gantry to the lecture theatre throughout the academic year.
It was great to see other regional partners and friends of the University receiving awards. Local government connections include Cllr Bev Craig, who was the first woman to take up the post of Leader of Manchester City Council, has been given a CBE for services to Local Government. Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, has been granted a CBE for services to Transport – he played a key role in launching the 24/7 night bus which passes the University and benefits many of our students every year. Henri Murison, Chief Executive of The Northern Powerhouse Partnership, has received an MBE for services to the Economy and Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Simon Nokes who supported our Acoustics and Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) developments, has been awarded an MBE for services to Regional Economic Growth, Policy Development and Investment Strategies.
Partners in the education world being awarded include Anna Dawe, Chief Executive Officer and Principal at Wigan and Leigh College, who has received an OBE for services to Further Education. Anna has been instrumental in the launch of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), with Wigan and Leigh College acting as the lead further education partner. Julia Heap, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Hopwood Hall College, has received an OBE for services to Further Education, and Mo Isap, Chief Executive IN4 Group, has been awarded an OBE for services to Education.
Arts and culture connections include Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive Officer of The Lowry, receiving a CBE for services to Art and Creative Industry and Walk the Plank’s Liz Pugh and John Wassell, both awarded a BEM for services to the Arts.
Congratulations to all those recognised.
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