An appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is a rare honour. It is not awarded for wealth, celebrity, or status, but for long-term service and meaningful contribution.
According to official UK government guidance, an MBE recognises individuals whose work has created a lasting, positive impact over time. It is awarded to people whose commitment, consistency, and standards stand as an example to others.
This year, His Majesty The King appointed Richard Marshall, Founder and CEO of Pall Mall Barbers, to the New Year Honours List, in recognition of his work in international trade, mentoring, and supporting people with dyslexia.
Written in the spirit of Pall Mall Barbers’ philosophy Keep sharp, keep groomed this article explores what an MBE truly represents, why it matters, and how Richard’s journey reflects the values behind the honour.
What Is an MBE and Why Is It Awarded?
The British honours system is steeped in history, but its purpose is modern: to recognise service.
An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated:
- Outstanding dedication over time
- Measurable impact on people, industry, or community
- Service that extends beyond personal success
It is the third level within the Order of the British Empire, following CBE and OBE, and recipients come from all walks of life, including teachers, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders.
Crucially, the honour is not about recognition for its own sake. It is about building something of value, creating opportunity, mentoring others, and representing British standards with integrity at home and internationally.
A Message from Richard Marshall MBE – Founder & CEO of Pall Mall Barbers
When the New Year Honours List was announced, my first reaction was not celebration, it was reflection.
This recognition is not about titles or status. It is about service.
I left school at 15 with severe dyslexia. I learned my trade on the shop floor, watching, listening, practising, and learning through doing. Barbering gave me structure, confidence, and eventually a platform to build something meaningful.
Over the years, Pall Mall Barbers has grown from a single chair to an international brand. But what matters most is not scale; it is standards, mentorship, and responsibility.
While the letters “MBE” carry my name, this honour belongs to everyone who has sat in our chairs, worked in our shops, trained alongside us, or believed in what we stand for.
How Did Richard Marshall End Up on the Honours List?
Richard’s path was not conventional.
Diagnosed with severe dyslexia, he struggled in traditional education and left school early. His real education began in a barbershop, learning through observation, repetition, and discipline.
Step by step, he built Pall Mall Barbers around craft, consistency, and community. Alongside business growth, mentoring became central, particularly supporting individuals who, like him, did not fit neatly into traditional systems.
As Pall Mall Barbers expanded internationally, Richard also became a vocal advocate for dyslexic thinking, mentoring, and alternative learning pathways while representing British barbering standards overseas.
These combined contributions led to his appointment as MBE for services to international trade, mentoring, and supporting people with dyslexia.
What Does an MBE Stand for in Practice?
An MBE is not symbolic; it reflects action.
The core principles behind the honour include:
- Building something of lasting value
- Creating opportunity for others
- Mentoring and education
- Upholding and representing British standards
These principles align directly with the ethos of Pall Mall Barbers.
Many barbers who trained within the brand now lead teams, manage shops, or run their own businesses. The focus on standards exists whether anyone is watching or not because consistency is the real measure of professionalism.
The honours system recognises people across society. High-profile recipients such as David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton, Adele, and Marcus Rashford sit alongside tradespeople, mentors, and community leaders whose impact is quieter but no less meaningful.
From the Honours List to Windsor Castle
Following the announcement, recipients are invited to an investiture ceremony at a royal residence.
Richard’s ceremony took place at Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest occupied castle.
The experience is formal, dignified, and understated. There is no spectacle, just a moment where modern service meets centuries of tradition.
Standing there, Richard reflected not on achievement, but on the people who made the journey possible: mentors, colleagues, barbers, and clients. The MBE was not a personal victory; it was a shared one.
Why This Honour Belongs to More Than One Person
No meaningful business is built alone.
Barbering is a people-first profession. Skills are passed down. Trust is earned chair by chair. Standards are upheld daily.
That is why Richard always speaks in terms of “we”, not “I”.
This honour belongs to:
- The barbers who upheld standards every day
- The teams mentored and supported others
- The clients who returned again and again, placing their trust in the craft
Mentoring and Dyslexia Support: Central to the Journey
Being recognised for mentoring and dyslexia support carries deep personal meaning.
Dyslexia shaped Richard’s life, forcing him to learn differently, communicate differently, and think creatively. It also created empathy for those who struggle within traditional systems.
Through Pall Mall Barbers, mentoring has become a pathway to confidence, skill, and self-belief for many who might otherwise be overlooked.
If this recognition helps even one person understand that learning differences are not limitations, then it has served its purpose.
Reflection: Gratitude and Responsibility
The letters “MBE” do not change the daily work of a barbershop.
What they do is reinforce responsibility.
Standards must remain high. Mentoring must continue. Service must come before recognition.
This honour is not a destination; it is a reminder of why the work matters.
Stay Connected with Richard Marshall| CEO and Founder of Pall Mall Barbers
Richard Marshall’s journey shows that consistency, craft, and service can take you from the back of a barbershop to Windsor Castle.
If you have ever searched “barbers near me” and walked into a Pall Mall Barbers shop, you are part of this story.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Keep sharp. Keep groomed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an MBE?
An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) recognises outstanding service or achievement that has had a long-term positive impact.
2. Why was Richard Marshall awarded an MBE?
For services to international trade, mentoring, and supporting people with dyslexia.
3. Does an MBE change Pall Mall Barbers?
No. It reinforces what has always mattered: standards, consistency, mentoring, and service.
4. Where are MBEs presented?
At investiture ceremonies held at Royal residences such as Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace.
5. Does an MBE come with responsibilities?
It comes with an expectation to continue serving and upholding standards.
6. Is the MBE a business award?
No. It recognises service, not commercial success alone.
7. Does the honour belong only to Richard Marshall?
No. It reflects the collective effort of teams, mentors, and supporters.
8. Why is mentoring part of the recognition?
Because creating opportunities for others is considered public service.
9. How does dyslexia connect to this honour?
Richard’s advocacy and mentoring for people with dyslexia were a key part of the recognition.
10. What does this mean moving forward?
The same commitment to consistency, service, and standards.
