Bondholders recognised in King’s birthday honours list

Individuals at HUUB and Rail Forum are among those who have been recognised in the King’s birthday honours list.

Dean Jackson, whose innovative technology has helped some of the world’s greatest Olympians win gold medals has been made an MBE, while Elaine Clark, chief executive of the national rail industry body becomes an OBE.

Entrepreneur Dean is the founder and owner of global triathlon and cycling brand HUUB, whose pioneering products have been worn by athletes including the Brownlee Brothers, Sir Jason Kenney and David Weir as well as countless amateur competitors.

Dean, who left Noel Baker School with just two O-Levels, has been made an MBE for his services to business and innovation.

He said he initially believed the letter informing him of the honour was an elaborate hoax.

He said: “I found myself checking the phone number on the letter. I even sniffed the paper it was written on, because I couldn’t actually believe it could be true!

“I am incredibly proud, humbled and excited – I’m just a normal bloke from Derby who is working in his passion and loves making athletes faster and better.

“This is recognition for the amazingly smart people I get to work with every day, who help me create some exciting products.

“I have always wanted to make my family and parents proud, and I know this will have surpassed all their expectations.

“My mother passed away last October, and I hope she’s looking down as gobsmacked as I am.”

Dean launched HUUB from his kitchen table creating pioneering technology to measure active drag and create performance-enhancing products for swimmers, runners and cyclists.

The company, which has a Queen’s Award for innovation and two patents for its technology, has collaborated with experts and world-class athletes to create products for sporting participants of all ages and abilities.

In addition, Dean has also worked closely with athletes including Olympic gold medalists Alex Yee, Georgia Taylor Brown and Jess Learmonth, two-times triathlon world champion Helen Jenkins and he has supported world record attempts by local athlete Leigh Timmis.

Throughout his career with HUUB, Dean has been a dedicated champion of Derby, helping to bring events to the city such as the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon and the annual Brownlee Foundation Triathlon, which is enjoyed by 1,200 key stage two school pupils

He also launched Derby City Cycling – the city’s first road cycling team – and the HUUB Wattbike squad made up of multiple national and world champions, world tour riders and UCI World Cup winners.

Dean said: “It’s not bad for a lad from Alvaston – who probably had a collection of neurodiversities that allowed him to see the world in a more creative way.

“My younger self wouldn’t believe I’m getting an MBE and going to Buckingham Palace.

“I’d love to put my arm round that young lad and tell him that while he may not have a string of qualifications it’s how he sees and interprets the world that will make him shine.

“My family are the greatest believers in me, and my customers are my greatest supporters.

“Thank you to my family and especially my wife Angela and the amazing team of people at Huub – none of this would have been possible without them.”

As chief executive of the Rail Forum, based in Derby, Elaine Clark is responsible for its day-to-day running, including working with the board to set strategic priorities.

She has responsibility for maintaining strong relationships across government and for delivery of rail sector deal activities.

Established in 1993, the Rail Forum is a national industry body with strong regional connections.

Based at the heart of one of the largest clusters of rail companies in the world, members span the whole industry from global corporations to micro SMEs, asset owners to manufacturers, digital solutions providers to passenger and freight operators.

An inclusive, not-for-profit organisation, member companies are drawn from all parts of the UK.

Elaine receives her honour for services to the rail supply industry.