The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) is delighted to congratulate James Dawes CMILT, Managing Director of Dawes Highway Safety, Louise Cheeseman FCILT, Founder and Chair of Women in Bus and Coach and former CILT(UK) President Will Whitehorn on their inclusion in the King's Birthday Honours List. 

James Dawes MBE

James Dawes CMILT has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to road safety. His journey began during his years as a Sergeant with the London Metropolitan Police's Roads Policing Unit, where he regularly witnessed the devastating aftermath of serious and fatal collisions between heavy goods vehicles and vulnerable road users.

In this front-line role, James recognised the dangers posed to people who became entangled in the open side rails of moving large vehicles, observing how the mechanics of such incidents frequently led to unnecessary serious or fatal injuries.

After leaving the police, he founded Dawes Highway Safety to research and develop innovative safety products aimed at reducing this risk. His most notable achievement is the PeoplePanel®, which became the UK's first commercially manufactured protective side barrier safety system. The product has proved hugely successful within the fleet and logistics sector and has helped drive the universal adoption of enhanced lateral side protection for large vehicles.

James said: “To receive this level of recognition for my work is incredible and I look forward to a day where open bar side rails officially become a thing of the past.”

Louise Cheeseman OBE

Louise Cheeseman FCILT has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the transport industry and diversity.

Louise's distinguished career in public transport has been marked by pioneering initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting and empowering women in industry.

In 2023, she founded Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), a national network created to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus and coach profession. Her passion for this cause has made a profound impact, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment within the public transport sector.

Louise currently serves as Non-Executive Director at Go-Ahead and Transport for Wales, whilst also holding positions as Chair of Trustees for Rebuilding Futures Alliance and Chair of WiBC.

Throughout her career, Louise has held senior positions across both public and private sectors, including Managing Director for Hull Trains and Director of Bus at Transport for London, where she oversaw the strategic direction of the capital's bus services, including delivery of the zero-carbon strategy.

Louise said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this award. It represents the incredible work being done across the transport sector to build a more inclusive and diverse future.

“I want to thank the Women in Bus and Coach board, our amazing team, the regional groups, and every single person who has supported the organisation from day one.

“This recognition belongs to all of us—and I hope it inspires even more people to join us in shaping a fairer, more representative industry.”

Will Whitehorn OBE

Will Whitehorn former CILT(UK) President has also been awarded an OBE for services to the Aerospace Industry.

Will became President of CILT(UK) back in 2016 where at the time he was also Deputy Chairman at Stagecoach Group.

As the founding president of Virgin Galactic, Will was involved in transforming Richard Branson’s vision of commercial spaceflight into a viable enterprise, laying crucial regulatory and commercial foundations between 2004 and 2011.

Now Chair of Seraphim Space Investment Trust PLC, the world’s first listed space tech fund, he has played a vital role in channelling early-stage investment into satellite communications, Earth observation, and in-orbit services, bolstering the UK’s space economy. His broader contributions include leadership roles with UK Space Command, UKspace, and the Royal Air Force, where he held a rank equivalent to Air Vice-Marshal.

He also chairs Clyde Space and serves as Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, promoting science and technology education. Industry figures have praised him as a visionary whose dedication has helped shape a thriving UK space sector, with Will affirming his continued advocacy for innovation and exploration, both on and off Earth.

 

 

Image of Will Whitehorn credit UKspace LinkedIn

Image of Louise Cheeseman Credit Women in Bus and Coach