Derek Ludlow, chairman of the Ludlow group of companies of Luton, received the honour from Her Majesty the Queen for his lifelong enthusiasm for community work in Luton and Bedfordshire.
Mr Ludlow (pictured) said: “Recognition like this goes to an individual but it is thanks to everybody – family, staff and friends. It is an award for the town and the county too and is a great honour.”
Mr Ludlow, 67, is chairman of Premier Bodyshops Ltd, Frank Ludlow Ltd and Ludlows of Luton Ltd and supports many local organisations and charities. He is a past president of the Macmillan Cancer Appeal and chairman of the development board at the University of Bedfordshire.
He received a MBE in 2000 for his work and contribution to business and the community in Luton and Bedfordshire. In 2006 he was awarded the Mayor’s Award for Citizenship in Luton and in 2008 he was made a Deputy Lieutenant for Bedfordshire.
