DEDICATED and hard-working Sihillians have been named in the King’s first New Years Honours list.
The recipients will receive their honours either at Buckingham Palace or at ceremonies locally later this year.
Professor Prashant Pillai from Solihull has been awarded an MBE for services to Cyber Security and to Education and currently works at the University of Wolverhampton.
Over the past 20 years he has led numerous research projects in the areas of networking protocols and cyber security.
His research aims to understand and solve security threats in cyberspace, expanding knowledge of cyber-crime on a large scale, with the aim of protecting the smart cities of the future.
Professor Pillai was invited to join the UK Government Cybersecurity Advisory Board (GCAB) earlier this year.
The Government Cyber Security Strategy (GCSS) was launched in January 2022 outlining the vision to ensure that core government functions are resilient to cyber attack, strengthening the UK as a sovereign nation and cementing its authority as a democratic and responsible cyber power.
Yiannis Maos, also from Solihull and the founder and chief executive at Birmingham Tech CIC has been handed a MBE for services to the technology sector.
His company aims to raise the profile of the Birmingham and West Midlands technology scene by helping businesses scale by providing them with knowledge, insight and support.
Kathleen Harvey was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Hall Green particularly during Covid-19.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree, has been bestowed a knighthood for his exceptional services to the region.
Over the years, he has supported a wide variety of business, community and charitable interests, most recently acting as chairman of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Organising Committee.
He was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant in 2005, was High Sheriff of West Midlands in 2006 to 2007 and was appointed as Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands in January 2017, acting as the former Queen – and now King’s – personal representative supporting civic, ceremonial, voluntary, charitable and social activity.
He said: “For my part, I am both honoured and humbled to be awarded a knighthood and to be in the company of wonderful people from across the West Midlands that make a real difference.
“We are all immensely grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the King’s first New Year Honours.”
