King’s Birthday Honours: Greater Birmingham business figures recognised

Business figures from across Greater Birmingham have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Among those honoured is Tracy Westall, chair of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron Curium Solutions, who has received an OBE for services to the digital sector and to diversity.

Tracy, who has chaired the Birmingham-headquartered leadership and business transformation firm since 2018, also holds a number of other non-executive roles including chair of WM5G and non-executive director at the Department for Transport.

Another OBE recipient, Professor Hanifa Shah, Birmingham City’s pro vice-chancellor for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), has been recognised for services to Higher Education.

As the pro vice-chancellor STEAM, Professor Shah leads the STEAM ambitions as outlined in the University’s Strategy for 2030 and Beyond, including embedding the STEAM agenda into education, research, and enterprise across all faculties.

She is also executive dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment (CEBE).

BCU said in a statement on X: “Under Professor Shah’s leadership, BCU has become a national leader in emerging technologies and industry-linked education.

“She has championed a bold, interdisciplinary approach to learning and research, ensuring students gain real-world skills in fast-evolving fields.”

Meanwhile, Graham Lee, chairman of the Tamworth-based Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the railway industry as well as his charity work.

Graham has been instrumental in establishing Statfold as one of the country’s foremost centres for narrow gauge railway preservation.

In addition to his work with Statfold, Mr. Lee has supported numerous charities and heritage organisations, contributing time, expertise, and funding to causes that promote education, community engagement, and historical preservation

He said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. Railways have been a lifelong passion, and it has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who share that enthusiasm.

“This award is as much a tribute to them as it is to anything I have done personally. I hope it brings further attention to the importance of preserving our railway heritage for future generations.”

Pictured: Tracy Westall, Professor Hanifa Shah and Graham Lee