The West Midlands has been celebrated in spectacular fashion in the King's New Year Honours list for 2025, with 28 individuals from across the region receiving prestigious awards for their exceptional contributions to public life.
Dame Meera Syal Leads Regional Honours
Topping the list of recipients is the acclaimed comedian, writer and actor Meera Syal, who has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). The honour recognises her distinguished services to literature, drama and charity. Although now based in London, Syal maintains strong ties to the West Midlands, making her recognition a particular point of pride for the region.
A Diverse Array of Community Champions
The honours list paints a vivid picture of the region's commitment to service, spanning education, healthcare, the arts, and community volunteering. Alongside Dame Meera, a wide range of professionals and volunteers have been appointed as Officers, Members and Medallists of the Order of the British Empire.
Notable appointments include:
- Dr Harjinder Singh Lallie, founder of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, who receives an OBE for services to musical heritage, faith communities and integration in Birmingham.
- Ann-Marie Riley, Chief Nurse at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, awarded an OBE for her services to nursing.
- Safaraz Ali, CEO of Pathway Group, who receives an MBE for his work promoting diversity and inclusion in business.
- Sarah Ellis, Director of Creative Innovation at the Royal Shakespeare Company, awarded an MBE for services to technology in the arts.
The list powerfully highlights the essential, often unseen work happening in towns and cities including Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Wolverhampton, and beyond.
Celebrating Grassroots Service and Dedication
A significant theme of this year's honours is the recognition of tireless grassroots and community work. Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) include foster carers, charity founders, dedicated fundraisers, and long-serving volunteers.
Among them are:
- Sandra Crowder, a foster carer from Coventry, recognised for her services to adoption and foster care.
- Amy Elizabeth and Ryan Paul Jackson, co-founders of The Lily Mae Foundation in Coventry, honoured for their support of bereaved parents.
- Manjinder Singh Kang, a Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, awarded for his work on rail safety and charity.
- Pritesh Pattni, Postmaster at Bristol Street Post Office, recognised for his services to the Birmingham community and charity.
Public service is further honoured with the award of a King's Police Medal to former West Midlands Police detective constable, Mark Royston Plant.
Collectively, the 2025 New Year Honours for the West Midlands tell a story of a region rich in talent, compassion, and civic spirit. From national cultural icons like Dame Meera Syal to local heroes supporting their neighbours, the list is a testament to the profound impact of dedicated service across every sector of society.
