Council chief and founder of finance group awarded in New Year’s Honours list

Peter Hargreaves, who is the co-founder of Bristol-based investment services provider Hargreaves Lansdown, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

He was given a CBE for services to business, innovation, financial services.

Peter recently told the Daily Mail that businesses shouldn’t have to pay tax.

He said: ‘I never understood why companies should pay tax. They don’t have a vote. If they didn’t have to pay tax they would come here in droves and employ millions of people who would pay loads of tax.’

North Somerset Council’s former Chief Executive Officer Graham Turner has also been awarded.

He was given an MBE for services to local government.

Graham retired in November after more than 24 years service with the council, the last 12 of them as Chief Executive Officer.

In all, he worked in local government for 38 years. He joined the former Woodspring District Council in 1989, having previously worked in Norfolk, Warwickshire, Humberside and Nottinghamshire.

Graham comments: “I feel very privileged to have received this honour, which has come as a lovely surprise shortly after my retirement. This should be seen not just as an award to me, but as recognition of the achievements of the staff and members of North Somerset Council, which has seen unprecedented success in recent years.

Clive Wray, Director of Public Sector Contracts at Business West has also been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list, with an OBE, for services to small businesses and international trade.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Clive firstly managed major engineering projects around the world, before putting his knowledge and experience to good use by helping businesses to grow, through enterprise development and international trade.

For the last 20 years Clive has supported SME business development in the South West through various senior roles within Business West and his impact on the West of England and wider South West business community has been significant. .

Clive comments:“I’ve been privileged to work with many inspiring individuals and teams within Business West and UKTI and am absolutely delighted with this recognition of our achievements, both on a personal and company basis.”

Don Cameron, founder of Bristol based Cameron Ballons, also received an MBE.