Brian G Newell, the Chairman of Shackerley (Holdings) Group Ltd that has twice won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for products Brian invented and patented, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year’s Honours.

Brian started out on his business career 50 years ago as a 15-year-old apprentice wall and floor tiler. He went on to form his own company, which has become a major force in natural stone, ceramic and brick cladding with its SureClad system (click here to read more about Shackerley's SureClad system).

Brian’s MBE not only recognises his contribution to UK manufacturing and cladding and façade systems as the pioneering force behind Shackerley, it also rewards his contribution to raising standards and championing innovation in the construction industry.

He has played an important role in the development of the UK ceramics industry, advising on multiple British Standards Institute (BSI) committees that develop and establish codes of practice and cladding industry standards. He has been instrumental in the development of British, EN and ISO standards, is a UK delegation leader to the International Organisation for Standardisation, and was recognised for his contribution with a BSI International Standards Maker Award in 2014.

Shackerley are members of Stone Federation Great Britain and Brian was also a founder member of The Tile Association. He chairs its Technical Committee. To read what TTA says about Brian’s honour, click here.