Dyson recognised in honours list

Inventor James Dyson has been awarded a knighthood for 40 years’ service to the design and engineering industry in this year’s New Year Honours List.

The knighthood recognises Dyson as ‘one of the greatest inventors of the modern era’. He was previously awarded a CBE (DW 9 January 1998).

Famous for vacuum cleaners, Dyson’s company most recently designed a new form of high-speed hand dryer, called the Dyson Airblade. He is also hoping to launch a £22m design and engineering state school in Bath.

Jane Shepherdson, former brand director at Topshop, was awarded an MBE for her services to the retail industry. She quit Topshop in October last year amid reports of a disagreement with owner Sir Philip Green over his appointment of supermodel Kate Moss as a fashion designer to the brand.

About 7 per cent of this year’s honours were awarded to figures from arts and media.