We are thrilled to announce that our CEO and Founder of Creative Pod, Matt Turner, has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty, The King's Birthday Honours List. His MBE is for his achievements and services to Business and to Charity. This incredible recommendation has been made by the Prime Minister on the advice of the independent Main Honours Committee following an independent assessment process.
An MBE recognises and awards individuals for their achievements to the community through outstanding service in business and charity within their field, and to those who have delivered long-term impact, standing out as an example to others.
For those who know Matt, he is widely regarded as a mentor, CEO, ambassador, loyal friend, and philanthropist. A truly one-of-a-kind individual who has a profound impact on everyone he works with. However, Matt is also a multi-award-winning individual, a serial entrepreneur, and an Export Champion for the Department of Business and Trade. He started Creative Pod in 2006 from his bedroom, with no idea of what the next 20 years would have in store for him.
Matt said, “It’s not often I find myself speechless, but when my wife Michelle handed me the letter, I was lost for words. I was 21 when I started the agency and had absolutely no idea what lay ahead of me. I wasn’t even sure I’d survive. I had just bought my first flat, had £5,000 saved, and no clients at all. Fast forward, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be a recipient of such a prestigious honour, especially by the age of 41! There are so many people to thank for being part of my journey and enabling me to achieve what I have. However, I would like to particularly acknowledge the support from my wife, Michelle, my family, and my team at Creative Pod. All of them have put up with my craziness for a very long time”
When we look at the calibre of Matt’s work and what he has achieved in 20 years, it’s astonishing:
- From buying 50% of Crawley Town Football Club
- Spending over a decade helping in excess of 600 individuals, aged 16-25, kickstart their business through Young Start Up Talent
- Being a proud patron of Chestnut Tree House and St Peter and St James Hospice
- A recognised ambassador for several charities
- Launching The Creative Group, built up of a series of sister companies, including ECHO, Whitespace, 427 and Spacelink
- Being named among the South East’s 42 Under 42, Class of 2023
- Hosting webinars and giving talks at local schools and colleges
- Fundraising lots of endeavours from jumping off Worthing Pier, abseiling down Arundel Castle and hosting an unforgettable Carpool Karaoke session with pop icon Chesney Hawkes
- He has sponsored and donated to hundreds of charity balls, networking events and local communities, raising in excess of £20m.
Here’s what a few individuals had to say about Matt:
George Fisher, ACA, commented: “Matt is a unique character and he has had so much impact on so many people. He has championed young entrepreneurs through the Young Start Up Talent scheme, taking them through their journeys and supporting them all the way.”
Sarah Colbourne, previous Head of Fundraising at Chestnut Treehouse, said: “Apart from providing so much in terms of financial and personal support, he is also a great advisor to the charity. He is totally trustworthy and always has a sound view on matters that affect us – some of them particularly sensitive.”
Maria Cook, Chairperson for Autism Support, commented: “There is no doubt that he is one of life's genuine people who truly cares, yet he is also a great businessman. He is straight talking and offers fabulous advice. Any time I need support with the charity he is on hand to help and his door is open all the time.”
Sarah Lyons, Managing Director at Creative Pod: “Matt has an incredibly agile approach to business and is a great leader. Despite being excellent at what he does professionally, he also has a considerable amount of time for people. He is passionate that all our clients should become involved with the community and local charities, ensuring that he champions the benefits for everyone, so it isn’t just a case of asking people and companies to put their hands in their pockets.”
We at Creative Pod, along with the extensive network of peers and partners who admire and champion his work, are eager to see what this prestigious recognition will unlock for him next and the new opportunities it will undoubtedly bring.
If you are interested in learning more about Matt’s journey and his upcoming ventures as an MBE awardee, then get in touch:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativepod/
- Email: hello@creativepod.net
