Matt Turner (pictured above), CEO and Founder of Creative Pod, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) 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.  

As a multi-award-winning individual, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Matt has consistently demonstrated a passion for building connections, driving growth, empowering others, and supporting charities and communities. 

When he started Creative Pod, an international, full-service marketing, website, and design agency based outside Gatwick in 2006 from his bedroom, he had no idea what was in store for him, let alone receiving this prestigious honour 20 years later. 

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. 

But 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 you 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, to spending over a decade helping in excess of 600 individuals, aged 16-25 kickstart their business through Young Start Up Talent, to now being a proud patron of Chestnut Tree House and St Peter and St James Hospice, as well as being an Ambassador for several charities.

Furthermore, he is also an Export Champion with the Department of Business and Trade, helping UK business owners and leaders grow their business overseas. 

Matt has long been recognised for his achievements in the business world, but his experience extends beyond the meeting room. His first fundraising endeavour made waves (quite literally) as he leapt off Worthing Pier in a Birdman costume alongside Ewan Dunlop.

 Since then, his fundraising feats have included abseiling down the historic 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 £20million. 

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.”

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.”

Matt is widely regarded as a mentor, CEO and a loyal friend. A truly one-of-a-kind individual, he continues to make a profound impact on everyone he works with. His team 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.