In the first King’s Birthday Honours List Food Management Today’s publisher and CEO of Yandell Media Group, Graham Yandell has been granted an MBE in recognition of his services to the media and to the food industry.
Graham said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours list this year. Having started my media career on The Bedfordshire Times at the age of 17, almost straight from school, I know how lucky I have been to do a job that I love and I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with so many great people over the years who taught me so much.
“My time at Westminster Press and other local newspapers outside the group, and then the decision to move on to International Thomson Business Publishing, offered me fantastic experiences, training and opportunities, and I am grateful to the people who helped me so generously and who encouraged me by their example.
“Launching the Yandell Media business way back in 1986 was the main catalyst in my life, both in business and on a personal level. My family, including my late parents, my children and my wife Sharon are amazing, and the team at Yandell are consistently second to none. I have gained such great friends and colleagues over the years and to now be recognised by my country with an MBE is both thrilling and humbling. I could not have achieved so many wonderful things without the help and encouragement of all these marvellous people, and I dedicate this honour to them.”
Other honours in the food sector
Lately chairman and consultant of the Village Bakery, Alan Edward Jones has been awarded an MBE for services to the Food Industry and to the Economy in Wales.
Another baker, Stephen Hallam, past managing director of Dickinson and Morris, the Leicestershire pork pie maker also received an MBE for his services to the baking industry.
Other MBE title holders include John Michael Marren, founder of Company Shop Group; Lloyd Justin Thomas, Apprenticeships and Funded Skills at The Co-operative Group; and Dr Shivani Anika Walia, founder of Anika Food Charity.
Former chief executive of The National Pig Association (NPA) Dr Zoe Leach (better known to many in the pig industry by her maiden name of Davies). Zoe was awarded an OBE.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “We are all absolutely thrilled with this news and want to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Zoe.
“Not only has she won countless battles on behalf of the entire industry at Government and supply chain level, but she has formed a unique bond with members, often going above and beyond in supporting them on an individual level.
“She has given blood, sweat and tears for the industry over the years and this is a thoroughly deserved honour.”
