Pimlico Plumbers' founder Charlie Mullins has been awarded the title of OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year 2015 Honours List, while TrustMark’s chairman Liz Male has been appointed an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

Mr Mullins (pictured) was awarded the OBE for his services to plumbing.

"I was very honoured to be awarded the OBE – particularly as it’s for services to plumbing," he said. "This is a fantastic industry, which has provided me with skills, security and opportunities that not only allowed me to build a career, but also a successful business that is creating jobs for others, including young people."

Ms Male was appointed an MBE in recognition of her services to construction and consumer protection.

TrustMark is the national quality badge for reputable tradespeople in the home repair, maintenance and improvement market. First launched in 2005, it now signposts millions of people every year to more than 14,000 firms that have been vetted and inspected and commit to work to TrustMark’s government-endorsed standards.

“It is a huge honour to receive this recognition for services to construction and consumer protection,” said Ms Male. “TrustMark was set up with the government to give homeowners a safe and easy way to find quality, reliable tradespeople for all work in and around the home.

“It’s a scheme I have believed in from the very start because TrustMark is a badge that is earned, not just bought. Every week I hear inspiring stories of TrustMark-registered firms which have gone out of their way to do great work for their customers. They are the people who deserve our greatest respect and praise, and they are the firms I will continue to champion.”