West Midlands tech leader and former Future Faces committee member awarded British Empire Medal

Dr Tom Goodman has been named as a recipient of a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year 2026 Honours List, recognising his services to Technology in the West Midlands.

The honour acknowledges Dr Goodman’s sustained leadership in the region’s technology, education, and community sectors, alongside his commitment to widening participation and fostering innovation across all ages and backgrounds.

Dr Goodman – a former Future Faces committee member - is the CEO and founder of HackTheMidlands the UK’S first 24-hour creative marathon.

The creative marathon is open to all participants of all ages and backgrounds, including under-18s and non-students.

Since its launch, HackTheMidlands has become a flagship event for inclusive innovation and grassroots creativity in the UK tech ecosystem.

In addition to his event leadership, Dr Goodman has held numerous senior voluntary and governance roles, including:

• Treasurer and Community Engagement Officer, BCS Birmingham Branch
  (formerly Chair, Secretary, and Inclusion Officer; committee member since 2016)
• Former Communications Committee Member, BCS (2021–2022)
• Former Trustee and Director, University of Birmingham Guild of Students (2020–2022)
• Former Trustee and Director, The Burgon Society (2019–2022)
• Former Nominations Committee Member, The Royal Institution (2023–2024)
• Former Vice Chair of Governors and STEM-Link Governor, Langley Primary School, Solihull (2019–2021)
• Former Executive Committee Member, Future Faces, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (2020–2022)
• Former Chair, University of Birmingham Guild of Graduates and Alumni Association (2020–2022)

Since 2015, Dr Goodman has raised over £170,000 to support UK technology events and initiatives, with backing from organisations including AWS, GitLab, BT, IBM, Bentley, BJSS, and the University of Birmingham.

His contributions have previously been recognised through several prestigious awards, including:

• Future Face of Innovation and Technology, GBCC Future Faces Awards (2020)
• Rising Star in Technology of the Year, Silicon Canal Awards (2019)
• Great Achievement in EPS, EPS Awards (2020)

Tom Goodwin said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive the British Empire Medal for services to Technology in the West Midlands.

This recognition reflects the hard work, time and energy that so many organisers have poured into the region’s tech community - without them, none of this would be possible. I hope it helps me to continue giving back to a community and city that I care deeply about and encourages others to do the same.

To all the young people living, working, and volunteering across the region, you can absolutely have a huge impact, and I'd urge you to serve your local community however you can!"