2026 New Year Honours Celebrate British Business Leaders Driving Change

These figures stand out for their sustained economic impact rather than celebrity alone.

Sir Richard Branson

Founder, Virgin Group

Already knighted, Branson has continued to receive recognition for services to entrepreneurship, employment and philanthropy. His Virgin ecosystem remains one of the UK's most globally recognisable business exports.

Sir James Dyson

Founder, Dyson

Honoured for services to design, engineering and innovation, Dyson's investment in advanced manufacturing and R&D has reinforced the UK's reputation for high-value engineering, even as production has become increasingly global.

Dame Carolyn McCall

Chief Executive, ITV

Recognised for services to broadcasting and business leadership, McCall is widely credited with modernising legacy organisations, first at easyJet, then at ITV, while championing diversity at senior levels.

Sir Mike Ashley

Founder, Frasers Group

A controversial but undeniable force in UK retail, Ashley's knighthood acknowledged decades of value creation, job generation and investment in British high streets and sports retail.

Dame Emma Walmsley

Chief Executive, GSK

One of the UK's most senior female executives, Walmsley has been recognised for services to the pharmaceutical industry and life sciences, a sector increasingly central to Britain's economic future.

Sir Charles Dunstone

Co-founder, Carphone Warehouse

Honoured for services to business and charity, Dunstone helped shape the UK's consumer telecoms market and later became a leading figure in philanthropy and social enterprise.

Sir Ian Cheshire

Former CEO, Kingfisher

Awarded for services to business and sustainability, Cheshire has played a pivotal role in embedding environmental responsibility into board-level decision-making across UK corporates.

Dame Sharon White

Former Chair, John Lewis Partnership

Recognised for services to business and the public sector, White's leadership bridged regulation, retail and governance during one of the most challenging periods for UK consumer businesses.

Taken together, these honours chart a shift away from purely industrial-era recognition towards leaders who combine commercial success with innovation, governance reform and long-term societal impact, a trend reinforced again in the 2026 New Year Honours.