Roll of honour for hospitality
Naomi Arnold, director of hospitality networking group Arena for 10 of its 18-year history, said the award of an MBE had "capped beautifully" a year that saw her celebrate 25 years in the industry.
"Gratifyingly, there was no shortage of industry well-wishers after the announcement, although the actual nominator has so far kept quiet," she said.
Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, added his OBE to last year's special-award Catey. "The award is humbling because you think of the other people to have received the award - it's not the way you see yourself," he said. "I'm simply doing an ordinary job to the best of my abilities. It's an honour for the entire association; it just happens I'm the figurehead."
Cotton believes hospitality is gaining recognition as its importance as an employer grows. "I put people forward each year, but part of the problem is that nomination information isn't that easy to obtain in the private sector," he said. "The private sector doesn't know how to use the system as well as the civil service."
Chairman of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) David Quarmby was appointed CBE ahead of the spring merger of the BTA and English Tourism Council, which will see him stand down in May. "I feel very privileged to receive this award," he said. "It is also recognition for the BTA; they have done a fantastic job through the foot-and-mouth and September 11 crises."
Stephen Springer's MBE for work on behalf of the disabled community highlighted the importance of holidays for all, not just the able-bodied. A tetraplegic following a car crash, Springer supports others through his role as general manager of Grooms Holidays and has 10 years of industry experience.
"Disability is often marginalised within the industry, so we were thrilled with the award," he said.
Angela Wright, MBE, is the creator, joint owner and managing director of Crealy Adventure Park near Exeter, Devon. Having never contemplated receiving such an award, Wright was initially overwhelmed. "I was thrilled," she said, "but really it's a tribute to the people I work with rather than just me."
That New Year Honours list in full
CB (Companion of the most honourable order of the Bath)
\* Geoffrey Podger, chief executive, Food Standards Agency
CBE (Commander of the civil division of the most excellent order of the British Empire)
\ Peter Blackburn, president, Food and Drink Federation, for services to the food and drink industry
\ David Quarmby, chairman, British Tourist Authority
OBE (Officer of the civil division of the most excellent order of the British Empire)
\ Doug Brydges, UK president, International Meat Trades Association, for services to the meat industry
\ Bob Cotton, chief executive, British Hospitality Association, for services to the tourism and hospitality industry
\ Walter Houllston, chief executive, Dairy Crest, for services to the diary processing industry
\ Thomas Miller, lately director, food regulatory affairs, Whitbread, for services to food safety
\ Rees Roberts, commissioner, Meat and Livestock Commission, for services to agriculture in Wales
\ Rick Stein, chef and restaurateur, for services to tourism in South-west England
MBE (Member of the civil division of the most excellent order of the British Empire)
\ Naomi Arnold, director of Arena, for services to the hospitality industry
\ Tony Blackburn, commercial services manager, Meat and Livestock Commission, for services to the meat and livestock industry
\ Iris Evlina Costin, station cook, London Fire Brigade, for services to the fire brigade
\ Shella Dear, head cook, Upham Primary School, Southampton, for services to education
\* William Greene, function manager, Chadwick Hotel, Lytham St Anne's, for services to the hospitality industry
\ Finbar Kelleher, caterer, HM Prison Wakefield
\ Stephen Springer, Grooms Holidays, for services to tourism and the disabled community
\ David Williams, owner of the Ambassador hotel, Llandudno, for services to the hotel and tourism industry in Wales
\ Angela Wright, creator of Crealy Adventure Park, Devon, for services to tourism
Diplomatic services and overseas list
MBE
\ Herbert Bascombe for services to catering and the community, Bermuda
\ Frederick Gonsalves, winemaker, for services to the business community
