A BUSINESSMAN from near Bewdley has been given one of the top accolades in the New Year's Honours list.

Stuart Doughty, 61, was awarded the Order of St Michael and St George for services to international trade and investment.

The honour - the fourth highest award after a knighthood - recognised the Kinlet resident's dedication to ensuring Britain remained a world leader in industry.

Mr Doughty, now chief executive of construction firm, the Costain Group, told the Shuttle/Times and News: "I am very pleased and proud for the recognition for many years of helping various administrations and governments in working in international trade. It is nice to be recognised for what one does outside of normal business life."

Along with his 41 years in the construction industry, Mr Doughty played a pivotal voluntary role in the Export Credits Guarantee Department, which helps UK exporters to safely invest overseas and the Water Sector Group, a partnership between the Government and industry in raising the profile of water firms overseas.

Mr Doughty said key to his work was the promotion of Britain's "intellectual property" as much as the services on offer.

He added: "I think the UK is a hugely important country in the world of economics and it was really important to capitalise on the intellectual property we have in this country and the ability to understand the knowledge we have here."

He said Britain's wealth of industrial knowledge had, quite simply, allowed nations to "learn more quickly".

He explained his honour, which is for "extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country" or "important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs", was a tribute to many who worked to promote Britain throughout the world.

He said: "I feel very proud indeed. You do these things without thinking about them at the time.

"I am delighted for the industry and other people that work with us."