OBE winners recognised in New Year list

A mental health campaigner has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list, having spent a decade developing the retail divisions of two national charities. Ashford’s Derek Harris currently serves on the retail board at Mind, a charity which supports and advises those impacted by mental health problems. Before joining the board in 2011, Mr Harris chaired the retail board for Age Concern England, overseeing a significant growth in its retail income. A former executive at Iceland supermarkets and Brake Brothers, his time at Mind has seen the association expand rapidly. Mind’s Andrew Vale said: “We are incredibly proud that Derek has been recognised with an OBE to mark his excellent voluntary work in our retail division. “Derek’s objectivity, humbleness and humanity have ensured he was able to help steer the organisation in the right direction and allow us to grow despite turbulent economic times. “He has always impressed me with his dedication and devotion. “He is able to bring a financial experience to the table and also has a keen grasp of the human side of our business. “Derek is one of the few people I have known who is able to express his understanding of a business in both numbers and words, in a way that is accessible to everyone.” Mr Harris will receive his OBE for services to charity and to charitable fnndraising at one of the 25 ceremonies being held next year. Another OBE winner is Ashford’s Gerald Heddell director for the inspections enforcement and standards division at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency - who has been recognised for services to healthcare.