A number of leading UK cinema operators were recognised for their contribution to the industry in the 2025 New Years Honours list, announced overnight.
Tim Richards, CEO and Founder of Vue International, and until recently Chair of the British Film Institute, receives a well-deserved CBE for his services to film and cinema.
Since founding Vue Entertainment in 1999, Tim’s leadership has seen the company expand across Europe to cover Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland as well as the UK and Ireland, becoming one of the largest and most important international cinema companies.
Yesterday’s announcement also confirmation of an MBE for Geoff Greaves, founder and owner of Merlin Cinemas.
Geoff, who has worked in the UK cinema industry from the age of 16, acquired his first cinema in 1990, since which time he has grown Merlin Cinemas to encompass 20 sites in towns across the length and breadth of the UK, from Penzance to Thurso and Prestatyn to Cromer.
Also recognised with an MBE was Janet Farmer, who recently stepped down as Director of Pocklington Arts Centre, East Yorkshire, after 22 years with the organisation.
Huge congratulations to these and all of those others recognised, the full list of whom is here.