Retailers recognised in New Year Honours List

Etailer Matchesfashion.com founders Tom and Ruth Chapman were awarded OBEs for services to international fashion.

Sainsbury’s company secretary and corporate services director Tim Fallowfield also received an OBE for services to disability awareness.

An CBE also went to Boots UK chair Elizabeth Fagan for services to gender equality in business while Ofcom chief executive Sharon White, who takes over as chair of department store and grocery group John Lewis Partnership in February, was made a Dame for her public service.

John Hannett, former general secretary of shopworkers union Usdaw and Low Pay Commissioner received an OBE for services to the economy.

The Chapmans said: “We are delighted to accept these awards on behalf of the many extraordinary individuals we were lucky enough to work with while founding and leading Matchesfashion.com

“It brings immense pride to have been at the forefront of the changing face of retail, from the humble beginnings of one brick-and-mortar store to one of the foremost global luxury e-commerce businesses, flying the flag for Great Britain in more than 170 countries.

“Throughout the growth of Matchesfashion.com, we have had the privilege of working with many of Britain’s most talented emerging fashion designers. The success of the business wouldn’t have been possible without them.

“We look forward to watching the business continue to thrive, inspire and delight its customers and lead the way for innovation under its new leadership.”

Fallowfield said: “It is a great honour to be recognised in this way. There is much more to do but we are making progress in the Disability Confident Business Leaders Group and helping disabled people to realise their true potential in the workplace. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved at Sainsbury’s as a Disability Confident leader and would like to thank all our colleagues for their support.”