Products of Change’s Ambassador for Retail, founder and ceo of PDS Radius Brands, Damian Hopkins 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 was made by the Cabinet Office on behalf of His Majesty on Saturday, 17 June and cites the accolade in recognition of Damian’s services to the retail and fashion sector.
Damian’s career in retail and fashion spans over 35 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.
Alongside a long track record in the industry, Damian has given a great deal back in support of the retail and fashion sectors. He has been closely involved with the Retail Trust charity for over a decade and chaired the Fundraising Committee from 2018 to 2019. Damian was also 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 Products of Change and is the current President of The Twenty Club, a retail dining club founded in 1897.
“I feel profoundly honoured, humbled, and frankly blown away to be recognised with a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List,” said Damian. “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.
“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 O have long been a supporter. The retail charity has been at the heart of the retail sector since 1832 and helps some of the most vulnerable in the industry but it 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, and creative people and I feel blessed to be a 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.”
