Jo Bamford, the owner of Wrightbus, has been awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Mr Bamford, who rescued the Ballymena-based bus manufacturer from administration in 2019, has been recognised for “services to innovating and developing the clean hydrogen economy”.
Also the founder of Ryze Hydrogen, he has transformed Wrightbus into one of the world’s leading producers of battery-electric and hydrogen buses.
Mr Bamford says: “I firmly believe the UK has what it takes to be a global leader in clean energy and net-zero gives us the chance to develop a bountiful energy market that powers our industries with home-grown capacity, generating a booming jobs market that develops careers and skills, creates UK products for home and for international markets, and waves the flag for the United Kingdom.
“I am proud to be involved in this incredible industry and humbled by the King’s recognition.”
Louise Cheeseman, founder and Chair of Women in Bus and Coach has been made an OBE for services to the transport sector and to diversity.
A former Director of Buses at Transport for London, Ms Cheeseman has held several high profile roles across the bus industry.
She is also Non-Executive Director at both Go-Ahead and Transport for Wales and Chair of Trustees for Rebuilding Futures Alliance, a charity to support ex-offenders finding work in the transport sector.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award,” she says. “It represents the incredible work being done across the transport sector to build a more inclusive and diverse future.
“I want to thank the Women in Bus and Coach board, our amazing team, the regional groups, and every single person who has supported the organisation from day one. This recognition belongs to all of us—and I hope it inspires even more people to join us in shaping a fairer, more representative industry.”
John Clarfelt, the co-founder of Ticketer, also received an OBE.
Mr Clarfelt gained the honour for services to the bus sector, having set up the smart ticketing provider in 2009. He stepped down as CEO in 2020.
John Cairns, founder of community bus service Western Dales Bus has been awarded an MBE.
The volunteer-run service provides links between Kendal, Sedbergh, Dent, Kirkby Stephen and Brough.
Dwayne Wells, Head of Commercial at Arriva Yorkshire, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to bus.
Raymond Guy, a PCV driving instructor with Arriva, North West and Wales, also received a BEM for services to road safety and heavy vehicles.
