Somerset’s Wyke Farms has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026, with managing director Rich Clothier recognised for services to sustainable agriculture and food production. The nomination came from UK Export Finance (UKEF), which has supported the business’s export push; the announcement was published by UKEF on 30 December 2025.

“I want to congratulate Rich on this thoroughly deserved honour,” said Tim Reid, UKEF’s chief executive. He highlighted the Clothier family’s cheddar‑making roots going back to 1861 and a 360‑strong Somerset workforce, calling Clothier a standard‑bearer for British business, in UKEF’s statement.

Wyke Farms is the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, trading into more than 160 countries and running on 100% renewable energy, according to UKEF. That sustainability drive includes on‑site biogas and solar and has extended to Carbon Trust‑certified, carbon‑neutral Ivy’s Reserve cheddar.

For readers across the North, the takeaway is clear: finance plus a credible green plan can move products into global markets. The Cabinet Office says 1,157 people are recognised this year; Clothier’s award sits within that wider salute to local graft beyond the capital.

UKEF’s role is practical. The government’s export credit agency says it helps firms win contracts, fulfil orders and get paid through guarantees, insurance and, in some cases, direct lending-support available nationwide and designed to operate at no net cost to the taxpayer. Over the last five years, UKEF reports £14 billion of support.

There are Northern case studies already. In West Yorkshire, Rosehill Polymers used a UKEF‑backed facility via Virgin Money to open a new factory in Sowerby Bridge and expand to more than 60 export markets, with apprenticeships and university placements alongside. It shows what’s possible when finance lines up with ambition.

Back in Somerset, Clothier’s long‑running message has been that heritage and climate action can work together commercially. Generating its own green power and gas has helped Wyke cut costs and build a premium export brand-an approach many Northern food and drink makers are now testing in their own way. Sources: UKEF materials and the company’s public statements.

From Settle to Sunderland, businesses will read this as proof you don’t need a London postcode to scale. The tools are there-finance, technical support and a simple story about how you make and power your product. This year’s Honours list just gave a West Country cheesemaker national backing for that model.