Richard Finney, founder of Captain Fawcett Ltd, based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been honoured with the prestigious Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours List in recognition of his outstanding contribution to International Trade and to Charity. This honour highlights Richard’s leadership in expanding British enterprise globally along with his dedication to charitable causes. These include men’s mental health, homelessness, and children’s welfare. A key initiative is the annual BarbersRide charity motorcycle ride, co-founded with Xavier Berrell and Colin Petrie, and now entering its ninth consecutive year, which has to date raised over £180,000, for children’s charities such as Alder Hey and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospitals and ‘Make-A-Wish’. In his acceptance of the MBE, Richie is quick to emphasise that this esteemed recognition is not his alone, but rather a reflection of collective dedication and team work. “In the guise of Captain Fawcett, I am but truly honoured to have been awarded ‘Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ — Huzzah! However, this highly esteemed accolade should and will be shared, for I am but the conductor of a hugely professional and incredibly creative orchestra of talent that has in turn contributed so much to Captain Fawcett’s ongoing success. Together, we are building something both disruptive and extraordinary to boot.” Founded in 2010 at a kitchen table in Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, Captain Fawcett has grown to become a beacon of British quality and craftsmanship in Gentleman’s Grooming and Hair Care, exporting to 48 countries and earning a reputation for its award-winning products and distinctive character. Beyond business, Richie has driven Captain Fawcett’s commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives like ‘BarbersRide’ becoming a flagship of the brand’s mission. This award serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a community, celebrating the combined efforts of the entire team, suppliers, distributors, partners, and stakeholders around the globe, who have all played essential roles in Captain Fawcett’s remarkable story. “Life isn’t a straight track. It’s full of pot holes, detours, steep climbs and alarming descents,” reflects Richie. “As such, it’s important that you surround yourself with a motivated team who both subscribe and add to the brand ethos and believe in it as fiercely as you. Getting this formula right, will result in the remarkable. For in truth, one’s journey is defined by fellow travellers who are willing to take the road with you. Teams grow, people come and go, however, every individual adds to the creative whole. This honour isn’t mine alone; it belongs to my stalwart companions who share the weight and lift one another when we stumble. Step by step, we press on together.” As Richie accepts this prestigious honour, he hopes that his story will serve as an inspiration to others, as indeed others have inspired him, proof that with a commitment to hard work, a dash of good fortune, a certain amount of resilience, and having the right people in your corner, your dreams can become reality. Richard Finney MBE looks forward to continuing the company’s growth. “Captain Fawcett has always been about forging lasting relationships. It is people who cement the sturdiest of foundations, the cornerstone of Captain Fawcett’s success is in supporting communities, and expanding the horizons of UK trade,” he says. “I look forward to the challenge. Here’s to 2025!” For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visit www.captainfawcett.com