Rutland-based managing director of Photocentric, in Peterborough, earns MBE in New Year Honours for supplying PPE to UK healthworkers

A businessman whose company helped produce protective equipment for frontline health workers during the pandemic has been made an MBE.

Paul Holt, from Ayston in Rutland, was given the award for Services to International Trade, to Education, and to the UK’s PPE Supply Chain.

His Peterborough-based company, Photocentric, manufactured photoreactive chemicals and 3D printers, but changed course at the start of the pandemic to help the national need for more PPE.

Photocentric was awarded a Government contract to print parts for 7.6m protective face shields for frontline health workers, increasing production around the clock and taking on 60 extra staff.

Paul spent his early career trading in the City and then took over a chemical company in Corby in 1995. He went on to found Photocentric from a small room in Woodston, Peterborough, in 2002, aiming to speed up and simplify the process of making clear stamps using a newly patented resin.

By 2008 it had become the largest clear stamp manufacturer in Europe, and two years later set up an American base in Arizona.

In 2015 the company moved into 3D printing after winning a Government grant and the following year won its first Queen’s Award for Innovation - further awards followed in 2018 and 2020.

Paul, 57, is now overseeing the business’ move to new purpose-built 45,000sq ft headquarters in Peterborough, scheduled for early next year.

More New Year Honours from this area - click here