Professor Colin Dennis, director general of Campden BRI, has been awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list, for services to the agri-food industry.

Campden BRI was formed in August 2008 through the merger of CCFRA (Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association) and BRI (Brewing Research International).

Dennis said: "I am absolutely delighted and greatly honoured by this appointment. Although personal, I very much see it as an award for the work and reputation of Campden BRI and all its employees.

“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity of leading the organisation for over 20 years and at a time when we have seen our services in increasing demand by large, medium and small companies in many countries of the world.

“I have been fortunate in having such an excellent team and we have collectively enjoyed the challenges and opportunities of serving such a large and important sector as agriculture and food," he said.

During his 20 years in charge, the research and technology organisation has grown from a turnover of approximately £2.5 million in 1988 to more than £18m in 2008 with 385 staff and over 2000 clients in over 60 countries.

Professor Dennis is also a non-executive director of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, a Visiting Professor at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK, and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire.

He is a Board member of the National Skills Academy, and the Countryside and Community Research Institute, and serves on Government and industry advisory committees in the UK and overseas, including Australia, USA and Abu Dhabi.

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