Queen recognises industry figures in New Year's Honours

A number of individuals from the beauty and hair sectors have been recognised the Queen's New Year's Honours List 2022 for their work and services.

Stewart Roberts, founder of Haircuts4Homeless, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to homeless people through his charity. Haircuts4Homeless was formed after Stewart was inspired by hairdressers across the world donating their time for homeless people. He has built a community of professional hairdressers across the UK who volunteer their time to offer haircuts for homeless people.

Commenting on receiving his award, Stewart Roberts MBE says: 

“To receive an MBE is such an honour and I'm truly grateful. I know it may sound a cliché but this really is for the whole Haircuts4Homeless family. 2021 was more challenging than I could ever have imagined however we came through even stronger and now are ready to secure our future in 2022.”

Millie Kendall MBE, Chief Executive Officer at the British Beauty Council (BBC), has been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the hair and beauty industry, whilst British Beauty Council's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Helena Grzesk has been made an MBE.

Since inception in 2018, the British Beauty Council has championed the sector in the UK, and the pair have been recognised for the Council's contribution in aiding the ‘bounce back' of the beauty sector through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Helena Grzesk joined the BBC in January 2021, after formerly acting as General Manager of the UK Spa Association (UKSA). Her work has included co-authoring a report on the effects of personal care services on mental health and wellbeing.

Millie Kendall OBE, who works to ensure the UK beauty industry has a reputation as a global leader in innovation and education, says:

“It's an honour to be recognised in this way. My passion for the beauty industry has never faltered; it makes such an impact on our everyday lives. This award signifies a change in how our sector is viewed and an appreciation of not just my work but the monumental efforts of The British Beauty Council and its partners in affecting that change.”

Also receiving an OBE is Matthew Patey, CEO of the British Skin Foundation (BSF) and Managing Director of Skin Health Alliance, who has been recognised for services for Dermatological research. The British Skin Foundation is a charity that funds research of skin diseases and skin cancer; under Matthew's leadership BSF has raised £17 million since 1996.

Commenting on being recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours List, Matthew Patey OBE says:

“I'm surprised and flattered to receive this honour for my work. When I first took on the challenge of raising money for skin disease research 25 years ago, dermatology was seldom discussed, despite millions of people suffering physically and mentally from skin conditions on a daily basis. The British Skin Foundation set out to increase public awareness and raise much needed funds for dermatological research and I am proud to have played my part in helping to fight skin diseases and skin cancer.”

The full list of the Queen's New Year Honours List for 2022 can be found online.