Emblems for honours
29 December 2006
CAB/076–06
A new emblem, which is designed to be worn on the everyday clothing of those who have been appointed to the Order of the British Empire, is announced by the Government today. It will give recipients the opportunity to show in their day to day lives they have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for their contribution to society.
The suggestion for a buttonhole badge or emblem came from the Select Committee on Public Administration and Sir Hayden Phillips in their recent reports on the honours system.
Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell said,
‘Honours are there to recognise the extraordinary achievements of people across the country, in all walks of life. These new emblems are a visible sign of a person's accomplishments, and I hope that many will choose to wear them with pride. I also believe that this is an important step in increasing overall awareness and understanding of the Honours system.’
After an open process of competitive tendering, the government has appointed Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd, to be the sole supplier of emblems.
The emblem is based on the badge of the Order, enclosed in a circle of ribbon of its colours of pink and grey. It is intended to be worn by those who have been appointed GBE, DBE, KBE, CBE, OBE, MBE or who hold the British Empire Medal. In total there are around 120,000 living in the UK and overseas. The emblems do not replace the badge and ribbon which will continue to be presented at the Investiture.
An example of the emblem can be seen on the Honours website: www.honours.gov.uk [External website}.
The Order of the British Empire emblem may be obtained from:-
Toye Kenning &: Spencer Limited
OBE Emblem Department
Regalia House
Newtown Road
Bedworth
Warwickshire CV12 8QR
England
Website: http://www.tksmedalsandribbons.co.uk [External website]
Email: OBE.EMBLEM@toye.com
Tel: +44 (0) 24 76848866
Fax: +44 (0) 24 76643018
The UK price is £15.00 each including packing, postage and VAT. Reservations can be made from 6th January 2007 with delivery commencing from 15th March 2007, after which date Toye Kenning & Spencer Ltd will despatch orders within 30 days according to demand.
Notes to editors
Cabinet Office
Press Office
22 Whitehall
LONDON SW1A 2WH
Tel: 020 7276 1191 – Fax: 020 7276 0618
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
