Damian Hopkins, founder and CEO of PDS Radius Brands and executive director of PDS Ltd, has been awarded the honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), in King Charles III’s inaugural Birthday Honours List. The official announcement made by the Cabinet Office on behalf of His Majesty on Saturday 17th June 2023 cites the accolade in recognition of Damian’s services to the retail and fashion sector. Being awarded a CBE is the highest-ranking order of the British Empire Award, excluding a knighthood or damehood.

Damian’s career in retail and fashion spans over 25 years, in which time he has innovated in the retail, brand and licensing sectors. His business was one of the early adopters of sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes, and Damian actively promotes British retailers and brands internationally.

As well as a long track record in the industry, Damian has also given a great deal back supporting the retail and fashion industries being closely involved with the Retail Trust charity for over a decade. He chaired the Fundraising Committee from 2018 to 2019 and was instrumental in launching the Mentoring and Ambassador programmes for people in retail and to raise awareness of the charity. Damian is also Retail Ambassador for the licensing sustainability organisation Products of Change and is the current President of The Twenty Club, the retail dining club founded in 1897. Damian also served on the council for the National Childrenswear Association during the 1990s and early 2000s.

On receiving the honour Damian commented: “I feel profoundly honoured, humbled and frankly blown away to be recognised with a CBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List. The retail and fashion sector covers millions of people and I see this honour as recognition of the many people, companies, factories, partners, and brands that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years around the world, and what we have all achieved together.”

Damian continues: “I have also enjoyed giving my time to organisations such as The Twenty Club, the National Children’s Wear Association, Products of Change and of course The Retail Trust with whom I have long been a supporter. The retail charity has been at the heart of the retail sector since 1832 and helps some of most vulnerable in the industry but also supports with education, mentoring, well-being and even offers retail workers amazing retirement estates throughout the country.”

“I will use this honour to continue raising awareness for workers in the retail sector. The retail and fashion industry is a wonderful community of incredibly passionate, dedicated creative people and I feel blessed to be part of it. My huge thanks go to everyone who has worked with me in whatever capacity over the years and to those who have supported, encouraged and inspired me including my friends and family.” Concludes Damian.