Prominent figures from across the Welsh business, education, and innovation sectors have been celebrated in the King's New Year Honours List for 2026. The prestigious awards recognise outstanding contributions to fields ranging from financial technology and prosthetic design to education and public transport.
Innovators and Sector Leaders Recognised
Dr Mark Owen Williams, co-founder of Denbigh-based prosthetic innovation company LIMB-art, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to prosthetics. Founded with his wife Rachael in 2018, LIMB-art has achieved international acclaim for its injection-moulded prosthetic leg covers, which blend bold design with functionality to help users express their individuality.
Dr Williams described his initial reaction as "total disbelief," adding that the honour felt like recognition for the entire limb-loss community and a message he has lived by since losing his own leg at age ten: "focus on what you can do, stand out, and be proud."
Also receiving an OBE is Sarah Williams-Gardiner, chair of the fintech sector representative body FinTech Wales. The honour acknowledges her significant contribution to financial services and charitable work. Williams-Gardiner said she hoped the award would inspire others with dyslexia, showing that "there are many paths to success." She emphasised that such honours reflect the support of colleagues, teams, and family.
Barry O'Brien, former chairman of Glamorgan Cricket, was awarded an OBE for services to law, cricket, and charitable causes. The Cardiff-born lawyer played a crucial role in restructuring the club's debts and later served as chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He paid tribute to colleagues, notably remembering the late Hugh Morris as "a true gentleman and a true friend."
Excellence in Education and Public Service
In the education sector, Mike James, chief executive of Cardiff and Vale College, received an MBE for his significant contribution to education and future skills across Wales and the UK. Under his leadership since 2011, the college has grown to become the third largest and one of the fastest-growing in the UK, with turnover increasing from £46m to £131m in a decade.
Geraint Evans MBE, chair of the Corporation for Cardiff and Vale College Group, praised James as an "entrepreneur" who has created "an educational powerhouse." Principal Sharon James-Evans highlighted his role as a passionate campaigner for education and skills as a tool for tackling poverty and supporting equality.
For services to public transport, Vernon Everitt, chairman of Transport for Wales, was awarded a CBE. Everitt, who also serves as transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to public transport and his role in delivering major improvements.
Further Honours for Welsh Achievers
The honours list also celebrated contributions from other key sectors. The co-founders of Pontyclun-based export firm Concrete Canvas, William Campbell Crawford and Peter Eric Brewin, both received MBEs for services to engineering materials innovation and exports respectively.
Andrew Mathias, head of communications for economy and infrastructure at the Welsh Government, was awarded an MBE for services to the LGBTQ+ community in Wales. Sebastian Alexander McVicker-Orringe of HM Revenue and Customs received an MBE for services to tackling offshore tax non-compliance.
Additionally, Matt Jones, founder and chief executive of Cardiff-based R4 Advertising, was awarded an MBE for services to entrepreneurship and advertising.
The diverse range of recipients underscores the breadth of talent and dedication within Wales, highlighting impacts on the economy, community welfare, and international innovation.
