More than 100 people across the UK were named in The King’s New Year Honours List 2026, for their outstanding contributions to education, skills, children’s services and social care. Among the awardees was one of the hairdressing industry's very own, British entrepreneur and owner of Pall Mall Barbers, Richard Marshall.
Richard was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of five, while ADHD emerged later in life. Despite being expelled from school at the age of 15 with no formal qualifications, he navigated his way through the world of business and the hairdressing industry with relentless perserverance, often relying on observation, mentorship and alternative learning methods. This led to him building one of the world’s oldest and most respected barbershop brands, Pall Mall Barbers, into a global enterprise with outposts in London and New York.
Richard received his MBE for Services to International Trade, Mentoring and to People with Dyslexia, which should come as no surprise given the way in which he continues to channel his own experiences into helping others, by mentoring and championing neurodivergent people. He also serves as a member of the Small Business Growth Council, advising the UK government and shaping the national agenda for the 5.6 million small businesses that power the UK economy.
"I hope my story and journey demonstrates that it really is possible to overcome the most difficult of challenges. It’s not easy, and so I focused on a different direction and just grabbed every opportunity with both hands and made sure I learnt everything I could from other businesspeople. And now I like to share my knowledge and expertise with others, showing parents, employers and teachers that having dyslexia and/or being neurodivergent does not mean a restricted future.”
Richard Marshall MBE
Richard's MBE reception was celebrated by many, including Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the Naional Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF), who said: “Richard’s contribution as an NHBF Board Member has been outstanding. He brings deep expertise, commercial understanding and an authentic connection to a sector with a notably high percentage of neurodivergent and dyslexic individuals. His insight has directly shaped how we communicate with and support our Members, ensuring our messaging is more accessible, inclusive and representative of the realities many face. Richard’s leadership and advocacy have helped drive meaningful change within the industry, and we are delighted to see him recognised with this honour.”
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