Some of the region’s most recognisable business faces have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Property stalwart David Bucknall, former Coventry and Warwickshire LEP chair Denys Shortt and ex-Birmingham chamber president Dr Christine Braddock were among those recognised by Her Majesty.

They were among dozens given new titles, with Walsall-born Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds perhaps the most recognisable face.

Mr Bucknall, one of the most recognisable faces on the Birmingham business circuit, who retired from the helm at Rider Levett Bucknall after 50 years last year, was awarded an OBE for services to the construction industry.

He said: “My passion and enthusiasm for the profession is undiminished. There is a great opportunity for the quantity surveying and project management sector to take the lead in delivering better value across the whole life of buildings.

“So this OBE is a great honour and due recognition for the collaborative approach which I embrace.”

The son of Charles Bucknall, who founded Bucknall Austin in 1947, Mr Bucknall is currently Quantity Surveying & Construction Professional Group chairman at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and also chairman of the Birmingham & Black Country Community Foundation.

Mr Shortt, founder of DCS Europe in Stratford-upon-Avon, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours list for services to the economy.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted and proud to receive this honour. Britain is a great place to build a business and I am delighted that entrepreneurship is recognised within the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.”

Mr Shortt started DCS Europe, his first business, in 1994, and now has sales of £150 million and 250 employees.

Dr Braddock, principal and chief executive at Birmingham Metropolitan College, was already a CBE but received a DBE – Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – for services to further education.

She said, “I am deeply humbled – this honour not only recognises my work in the sector but the ongoing excellent work of teaching staff and the achievements of thousands of learners – this is one of the proudest moments in my life”

The Lancashire born mum-of-three has nearly 30 years’ experience in senior leadership of further education colleges.

She is also the first female member of the Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and is also a council member of CBI West Midlands, Aston University, and was previously a director of Birmingham Forward.