Former Lord Mayor of the , Alderman Nicholas Lyons, has been awarded a knighthood in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List.
Sir Nicholas was honoured for services to the financial sector, to the growth economy, and to financial literacy.
He served as the 694th Lord Mayor of the , acting as a global ambassador for the UK financial and professional services industry, in 2022-2023.
During his Mayoral year, Sir Nicholas, who is Chairman of Phoenix Group Holdings, championed his ‘Financing our Future’ theme, culminating in The Mansion House Compact. The scheme commits some of the UK’s largest pension firms to allocate a minimum of 5% of defined contribution funds to unlisted equities by 2030, with the aim of unlocking over £50 billion of new capital by the end of the decade.
Sir Nicholas has been involved in other significant initiatives, including promoting financial literacy, and fundraising in support of schools and community outreach in education.
Alderman Sir Nicholas Lyons, said:
“It is deeply humbling to receive this honour which reflects the work of many colleagues in the City.
“Our financial services sector is the bedrock of the economy and has a critical role to play in directing the investment needed to deliver growth in productivity and better futures for all.”
Meanwhile, City Corporation elected Member Alderman Alison Gowman has been awarded a CBE for public and voluntary services and sustainability.
Alison is the elected Alderman for the Ward of Dowgate in the Square Mile and a former Sheriff of the . She is a long-serving City Corporation Member, having first been elected in 1991.
She has fulfilled several significant roles for the City Corporation, including chairing the City Bridge Foundation from 2016-2019, and she is now the City Corporation’s lead Member for Climate Action.
Alison is a passionate advocate of sustainability and public service, having spent ten years as a trustee of the Museum of London, and is an Alumna and Honorary Doctor at the University of Durham. She is also a Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral and has worked in the City for 40 years as a solicitor. She became the first female partner at DLA Piper UK, where she is now a consultant.
Alderman Canon Alison Gowman, CBE, said:
“I am delighted to be honoured for my work which has, mostly, been pleasurable and only accomplished with the assistance of many excellent colleagues and supporters.
“I have been fortunate to be able to commit to issues that resonate deeply with my Methodist upbringing and my future hopes for our planet.”
The City Corporation’s Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services, Judith Finlay, was awarded the CBE for services to children and families in her previous role as Executive Director of Adult, Children, and Public Health Services, at Ealing Council. She joined the City Corporation in 2023.
Judith Finlay, CBE, said:
“I am delighted to receive this wonderful honour. I take it as recognition of the important work that I was fortunate enough to lead alongside so many talented frontline and senior colleagues and partners in other agencies across Ealing.
“But above all, I really value it as a testament of our shared commitment to improving the life chances for children and young people in our community.”
Barbara Hamilton, the City Corporation’s Head of Adult Skills Education and Apprenticeships, received an MBE for services to Adult Education in London.
Barbara Hamilton, MBE, said:
“I am both thrilled and extremely proud to receive this honour for services to adult education. I have most recently been particularly involved in supporting the delivery of adult education in partnerships across the capital.
“Throughout my career, I have understood and been committed to adult education services and their importance in improving educational opportunities and contributing to economic vibrancy everywhere.”
Chief of staff at the City Corporation’s Environment Department, Elisabeth Hannah, was awarded a BEM for charitable service to hospices and child welfare in the and East London.
Elisabeth has been involved in fundraising through cabaret performances and founding Cabaret vs Cancer charity to support those affected by cancer and loss, especially young people.
Elisabeth Hannah, BEM, said:
“Cancer is a disease that affects so many. I lost both parents to the disease, and knew I wanted to make a difference.
“Cabaret vs Cancer is a way to support those who are affected by loss and grief. Since 2014 over £350,000 has raised and distributed to good causes.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About the Corporation:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK.
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