Andrew Dickson, who founded St Andrews Travel Group, was awarded an MBE for services to business and the community in Bolton.
He started his agency business in 1983 and ran it for 25 years. When sold, it employed 75 staff, had a turnover in excess of £25 million and was the largest North West independent travel agent. Dickson sold the business due to ill health but has since recovered and continues to work in the travel industry with his company The WOW Factor, which offers sales training.
He was one of the founders of community radio station 96.5 Bolton FM which he helps run with more than 100 volunteers.
In 2018 96.5 Bolton FM was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award and I will never forget that I’ve only achieved what I’ve achieved in life due to the fantastic team of people who I have had the pleasure of partnering.”
Also honoured for public and charitable service as well as his professional role was CAA communications director Richard Stephenson. He is chairman of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Corporate Engagement Board and Chairman of the alumni association of the US State Department exchange programmes in the UK. He is also president of Kids Count, a charity working with young people in rural and urban areas.
Dame Deirdre Hutton, CAA chair, said, “Richard’s enthusiasm, dedication and energy is infectious and his history of helping charities is inspirational. During the Monarch Airlines administration, I witnessed first-hand his commitment to the CAA and his communications expertise and I am delighted that his enormous efforts have been recognised in this way.”
Other honours went to Northern Ireland restaurateurs George and Jane McAlpin, who received OBEs for services to the tourism industry for making Portrush a foodie hotspot.
