DAWN WHITELEY AWARDED MBE IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

National Enterprise Network
was delighted to confirm CEO Dawn Whiteley has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours List, for her services to business and enterprise. Dawn was confirmed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, alongside other 2016 Birthday Honours recipients.

The Chief Executive of National Enterprise Network has worked tirelessly in the support of pre-start and start-up businesses for nearly 25 years. She joined National Enterprise Network in April 2011 from Business Link Yorkshire, where she was Head of Enterprise, with 16 years before that spent at West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency (WYEA).

Work in the enterprise sector started in 1992 and Dawn has never looked back – dedicating her professional life to supporting pre starts and start-up businesses locally, regionally and now nationally across England.

Speaking about her MBE, Dawn said:

“I am completely and utterly delighted to be recognised for the part I have played over the last 25 years – and am truly humbled too. Working in the sector felt right to me from the very beginning, I immediately saw the importance of the work and I’ve loved every day of it. My work has never been just a job, but the roll out of a real passion and belief in the sector. The role the enterprise support sector plays is essential in the support of start-up and established small businesses. To be highlighted for the work I’ve done is fantastic – but the light it shines on the value of the sector is even better!”