North East business leader awarded OBE

A North East business leader has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for a career spent championing economic growth and community development across the region.

John Marshall has been awarded an OBE for services to the local economy, recognising decades of leadership across business, tourism, education, healthcare and the voluntary sector.

John currently serves as chair of the North East Chamber of Commerce, sits on the board of believe housing and is chair of trustees at the Newcastle United Foundation.

Since becoming chair of the Chamber in 2020, he has helped strengthen its regional and national influence, while supporting members through the challenges of the pandemic. 

He also played a key role in the organisation being named Chamber of the Year in 2023.

A former chair and non-executive director of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, now Experience North East England, John has been a driving force behind efforts to grow the visitor economy and raise the profile of Newcastle and Gateshead as places to visit, live and invest.

His wider contributions include roles with the North East Ambulance Service, Durham University, Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust, the King’s Trust and Newcastle Cathedral.

John said: “Receiving this OBE is a wonderful surprise and deeply humbling. 

“I am proud to have been able to play a small part in supporting the growth, resilience and success of the North East economy.

“Our region has always been a place of innovation, hard work and ambition, whatever challenges it has faced. Many great people and organisations strive every day to create fresh opportunities, drive investment and strengthen our communities. 

“To have the chance to contribute to that is one of the greatest privileges of my career.

“I am especially grateful to my family, friends, colleagues and partners for their unwavering support, encouragement and belief over the years. 

“Achievements such as this are never the result of one individual alone, and I am fortunate to work with exceptional people who share a genuine passion for, and belief in, our unique region. 

“Their passion and hard work deserve equal recognition today. 

“They inspire me more than they will ever know.

“This honour strengthens my commitment to them and to continue championing the North East, its next generation of leaders and businesses who will deliver our future success.”

John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “On behalf of everyone at the Chamber, I offer heartfelt congratulations to John on receiving an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

“This honour is so richly deserved. 

“Throughout his career, John has shown great dedication to supporting businesses, creating opportunities and championing the North East economy with real passion and integrity. 

“His leadership and commitment have made a lasting difference to so many organisations and communities across the region.

“Beyond John’s professional achievements, what has always stood out is his generosity, humility and belief in people. 

“He has consistently encouraged others to succeed, brought people together and worked tirelessly to ensure the North East continues to thrive and grow.

“This OBE is a fitting recognition of John’s many years of hard work and service, and we are all incredibly proud to see his lasting contribution recognised at the highest level.”

Ian Thomas, interim chief executive at Experience North East England, added: “This could not be more well deserved. 

“John has recently stepped down as chair of NewcastleGateshead Initiative as we enter a new era as Experience North East England.

“The legacy and impact he made for this organisation and our region is immeasurable and this accolade for his services to the economy could not be more well timed. 

“He continues to be an instrumental force and voice for the regional economy and our key sectors. It is huge recognition of the difference he continues to make for local communities and the people of North East England.

“John’s contribution over the past 14 years will leave a lasting legacy for our organisation and our region is a better place as result of his leadership, passion and diplomacy. 

“We know he will continue to be a huge advocate for the North East as a place to visit, enjoy, live, work and invest.”

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