A RYEDALE couple are celebrating ‘double’ success after now being both named in New Year Honours lists.

Sproxton resident, Rob Oliver, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s first New Year Honours list.

His wife, Joanna Oliver, received the same honour in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2011.

Rob has been awarded an MBE for services to the construction equipment manufacturing sector.

This follows his retirement in 2021 after two decades as the Chief Executive of the Construction Equipment Association.

He is the owner of a company which is a specialist service provider to trade and professional organisations with offices in Northallerton and St Albans.

Rob has been a resident in Sproxton, near Helmsley, for 21 years and lives with Joanna, and two Labradors (Harry and Barty) – plus ex-racehorse, Tom.

Joanna herself received an MBE for her services to international trade.

Rob said: “The award has been a nice surprise to kick off 2023. It has been my privilege to work with senior representatives in a number of industries over the years, both in the UK and Europe.

“I’m looking forward to framing my award certificate and displaying it alongside Joanna’s which up until now has had pride of place in the downstairs loo."

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