Training and apprenticeships boss recognised in honours list

A West Midlands businesswoman who has helped thousands of young people into apprenticeships, training and employment was among those recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Susan Tipton (pictured), managing director of Protocol Consultancy Services and the chair of Birmingham & Solihull Training Provider Network, has been awarded an MBE for services to apprenticeships and charity.

She set up Protocol Consultancy Services in 1996 as a small Midlands-based apprenticeship training provider and over the last 25 years has been supportive of more than 5,000 learners, engaging with over 2,500 employers and helping 2,000 young people into apprenticeships or employment.

Other notable figures from the region to be recognised include former Wolverhampton Wanderers footballer Ron Flowers, who was part of England 's 1966 World Cup winning squad. He also received an MBE.

MBEs were also awarded to a number of key figures from education, healthcare and medicine.