Ben Francis, who launched his empire in his parent’s garage, was just one of the few businesspeople to be recognised for their services to commerce and the economy.
He’s also the youngest person to be recognised for such services on the list.
The 30-year-old started his now £1.25b empire by sewing his own gym clothes at his family home in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, in 2012.
He owns 70% of Gymshark, which was valued at £1.25bn by the Sunday Times earlier this year, giving him an estimated fortune of about £875m.
That makes him the 191st richest person in the UK and the third richest person aged 30 or under.
Reacting to the accolade on Instagram, he said: “I can’t believe it but I’ve been awarded the honour of an MBE.
“This is probably the most surreal feeling I’ve had when being given an award and I’m so grateful to all those around me who support me in all that I do at Gymshark, at the Birmingham Women & Children’s Hospital Charity, and at home.
“This week has been a week I never ever would have expected. Getting this honour is well and truly the icing on the cake, as just last week my wife gave birth to twins, at the amazing Birmingham Women’s hospital.
“Anyone who has kids will know… the first few days are tough, I’m so happy and filled with pride that I could cry.
“What a week, thank you, we’re feeling very blessed.”
