Cllr Dr Paul John Birch J.P. is mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. He is to be awarded The British Empire Medal by Her Majesty the Queen. His name appears in this weekend’s publication of the London Gazette. He is being recognised with the medal for his work in the Community*, alongside his work in Fairtrade**.
The Cabinet Office say he will be awarded the Honour after displaying a consistent effort to better the local community through Fairtrade projects and charity work.
MD at Revolver ®, a Co-operative specialising in ethical coffee, tea and chocolate; Paul has dedicated the last ten years to the Fairtrade ® movement by sitting on numerous boards and by developing Fairtrade commodities under the Revolver World Coop brand for sale in Coop stores.
Phil Ponsonby CEO of The Midcounties Coop said; ' This is much deserved recognition of Paul's tireless commitment to Fairtrade producers. Revolver has been an Important partner to the Midcounties Co-operative over many years by providing innovative product development and supplying Fairtrade coffee of the highest quality from growers across the world'.
Elaine Dean (President) & Debbie Robinson (Chief Executive) Central England Co-operative said: “We are absolutely delighted to congratulate Paul Birch on his award of the British Empire Medal (BEM). This is very much deserved as not only are the Revolver products fairly traded but they deliver excellent quality and have won the coveted Great Taste Award. We look forward to working with Paul and his team and wish him continuing success as a Fairtrade Co-operative”.
Wolverhampton South East MP, Pat McFadden said; “Paul has run Revolver for many years and has been a constant supporter of the local community, supporting Fairtrade and many charity causes. I am pleased to see he has received official recognition for his work.”
Cllr Ian Brookfield, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council said; “I would like to congratulate Paul Birch on being awarded this tremendous accolade in recognition of his tireless work promoting Fairtrade which stems from his passionate belief that producers should be paid fair wage in order to live a better life and escape from the horrendous poverty many around the world endure.”
Birch says; “I am really grateful for the nomination and to the team around me who make every day an opportunity. After all, to quote Browning, ‘A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s Heaven for?”
The British Empire Medal is awarded to individuals recognised for their civil or military service. The medal has been given for over 100 years in the Commonwealth and was reintroduced in the United Kingdom in 2012 by David Cameron.