These honours are awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact in their community or field.
This marks the first honours list of the year, bestowed by King Charles III.
The second list will be released in June, on His Majesty’s official birthday.
Alan Kurtz was one of the names from Croydon that was featured in the Honours list.
Alan is a pharmacist from Fishers Chemist in South Norwood.
Alan bought Fishers Chemist in 1966 and was awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire, also known as the British Empire Medal (BEM), for his services to the community pharmacy.
His pharmacy won the Pharmacy Team of the Year award at the 2016 Independent Pharmacy Awards having impressed the judges with the way it looked after its patients.
Philip Poulton was another name from Croydon to have been featured on the Honours list.
Philip is the former headteacher of Bensham Manor School in Thornton Heath.
Philip was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Caroline Pemberton from Coulsdon was also featured in the Honours list.
Caroline, Head of Resourcing, People Function, at the Ministry of Justice was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to the Criminal Justice System.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry said: “It’s fantastic to see Croydonians represented in the New Year’s Honours list for 2025, including Alan Kurtz and Philip Poulton.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities.
“They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.
“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
