Local Figures Honoured in New Year Honours 2026

Bradford community members recognised for contributions in various fields

Several individuals connected to Bradford have been named in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026, receiving awards for their services in areas including cyber security, culture, the arts, and policing.

Cyber Security Recognition

Dr Andrea Cullen and Lorna Armitage, co-founders of the cyber security training company CAPSLOCK, have each been appointed as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to cyber security.

Both have strong ties to the University of Bradford, having previously worked as lecturers in Computer Science. Dr Cullen was a student at the university from 2000, completing a BSc in Computing with Management and later a PhD in Operations and Supply Chain Management before joining the staff. Lorna Armitage served as Programme Leader for the BSc Computer Science for Cyber Security course.

Contributions to Bradford 2025 City of Culture

Dan Bates, Executive Director, and Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, have each been awarded an MBE for their roles in delivering the year-long City of Culture celebrations.

The partnership between Bradford 2025 and the University of Bradford was a key feature of the celebrations, with the university hosting events such as Stories from Valley Parade in June and Festival of the Dead in October 2025.

Arts and Museum Leadership

Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, has been named Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the arts.

Jo has worked in museums for nearly 30 years and joined the Bradford museum in 2013. Her work has involved developing partnerships across Bradford, including with the University of Bradford, and positioning the museum as a centre for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bradford in July 2024 and is a member of the university’s Council.

Policing Service Honoured

Sir John Robins, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, has been knighted for services to policing.

Sir John was made a Doctor of the University of Bradford in December 2024 in recognition of his contributions to Bradford and West Yorkshire. His career in West Yorkshire Police began with his appointment as Superintendent in charge of Operational Policing in Bradford in 2003. He has held several senior roles, including Chief Superintendent and District Commander of Kirklees. He became Temporary Deputy Chief Constable in 2015, a position made permanent in 2017, and was appointed Chief Constable in 2019. He was also named Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in 2022.