Several members of the UK tech community have been recognised in the New Year Honours 2017 list. The list, which commends the achievements of individuals in the UK, focuses on success in areas from education to health, sport and law.
EY’s head of FinTech, Imran Gulamhuseinwala, was recognised in the list for his dedication to financial services. In particular, Gulamhuseinwala’s work with UK Trade & Investment and HM Treasury to establish FinTech as a fundamental part of the financial services industry was commended.
Gulamhuseinwala commented: “Being awarded an OBE is a real honour and I feel incredibly proud. The list includes very prominent and successful individuals and I am proud and excited to be considered alongside them.
“I’m also really pleased the FinTech sector is being recognised. It is a hugely exciting and dynamic part of UK business, and one that helps consumers and small businesses. FinTech firms are embracing many who were previously excluded from the sector, and are helping people to save money and engage with their finances at a time when we know we aren’t saving enough for the future,” he added.
Aside from FinTech, individuals commended for their work in the teaching of tech include Maggie Philbin, CEO of TeenTech, which promotes careers in STEM and creative industries, and Kathryn Parsons, co-founder and co-CEO of Decoded, which provides products to support digital education.
Other tech recipients on the New Year Honours 2017 list include:
- Hakim Yadi, CEO of Northern Health Science Alliance, for his contribution to developing HealthTech and the economy.
- Deborah Forster, Co-CEO of Apps for Good, for her work in digital technology and tech development.
- Joseph Lawrence White, entrepreneur and Angel investor, for his services to technology businesses.
- Robin Christopherson, head of digital inclusion at AbilityNet, for his work towards digital inclusion.
- Arjuna Gihan Fernando, investor and entrepreneur, for his support to the digital economy.
- Uzma Johal, co-founder of Threshold Studios, for her contribution to the development of the digital economy in the East Midlands.