THE managing director of JF Hornby & Co has spoken of his shock and delight at being awarded an MBE.
Paul Hornby was named in the New Year’s Honours List for services to the community.
He discovered he had been recommended for an honour in December, but was unable to share the news as it was under strict government embargo.
Paul Hornby, right, with wife and director, Beverley Hornby and JF Hornby & Co Chairman, John Hornby.
Paul said: “It was a normal day until I got home from work to find a letter that absolutely floored me.
“My initial reaction was shock and bewilderment. Although we do a lot for the community through the Hornby Foundation and JF Hornby & Co, it never occurred to me that this would one day lead to someone nominating me for an honour.
“I have no idea where this has come from. It is a shock that has left me feeling humbled and proud in equal measure.
“Everything I or we do as a business is because we are in a position to help and support our local communities and those who need it most. For as long as we can, we will.”
The Honours system of the United Kingdom has a long history, with the appointment of Knights Bachelor or “bachelors of England” dating back to the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Prior to the introduction of the Order of the British Empire in 1917 by King George V, appointments to Orders of Chivalry had been exclusive.
The outbreak of the First World War and the sacrifices made across all areas of society led to a desire to widen the Honours system.
Honours are announced and awarded twice a year by His Majesty The King, with lists consisting of knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire, and gallantry and bravery awards.
Different awards are received depending on an individual’s achievements.
Paul has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire, commonly known as an MBE, as founder of the Hornby Charitable Foundation for services to philanthropy and the communities of Barrow-in-Furness and South Cumbria.
The Foundation was established in 2015 and has donated £360,000 to charities, community groups, and individuals since then.
Hundreds of grants have been awarded in almost a decade of giving, including some notable campaigns.
In 2020, the Foundation pledged £15,000 to mental health charities in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown and in recognition of the impact it had on mental wellness.
Community Support: A defibrillator is handed over as part of the Have a Heart Campaign
Earlier this year, Hornby’s Have a Heart campaign was launched with a £10,000 pledge to buy defibrillators for communities most in need.
The business has also been involved in delivering financial education sessions to schools through an initiative led by Paul called the Money Club. Thousands of young people have taken part in lessons about good financial habits and how to manage money.
Outside of his work at JF Hornby & Co, Paul is the Chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFC. He took up the position in 2018 saving the club from financial and footballing oblivion with a cash injection via Hornbys which now stands at upwards of £1m.
Under Paul’s chairmanship, the club secured promotion back to the English Football League after a 48-year hiatus in 2020 and has retained that position since.
Paul said: “This still feels surreal. I have no idea who nominated me or supported the process, but I would like to thank them. I see this very much as recognition of the work the wider JF Hornby team does in our communities, and that will be at the forefront of my mind next year when I collect the MBE in London.”
