Kent’s own Sue Nelson, Chair of Produced in Kent, has been named a Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours List, in recognition of her services to small businesses in the UK.

Sue is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, and broadcaster and was appointed Chair of Produced in Kent in June 2021.

’I’m very proud that I started a small business and sold it to a multinational with a great deal of help from my wonderful colleagues. But it’s not about that, at all. Alongside my corporate work, I’ve been involved with charities, not-for-profits, and community projects for the last 25 years.

’During this time, I’ve admired the amazing people who quietly go about their work at grass roots level with huge compassion, generosity, and modesty. It’s humbling to watch how they make a positive difference 365 days of the year at a very personal level, often on low pay or as a volunteer.

So . . . to all the unsung heroes that I’ve had the great pleasure of working with for the last couple of decades, I am honoured to accept this award on their behalf and not mine.’