An MBE was never on the radar of Telford College governor and award-winning businesswoman Hollie Whittles.

However, that is exactly what she has next to her name now, in recognition of the incredible work she has done for services to women in business.

Owner of two highly successful businesses, as well as being a TEDx winner, author and semi-professional musician, Hollie was part of the King’s Birthday Honours list released in June.

It was an accolade she had never really thought about – with much of her focus over two decades in business being on opening doors, amplifying underrepresented voices and making youngsters believe entrepreneurship is for everyone.

Founder of global award-winning Purple Frog Systems, a Microsoft and AI consultancy based in Shropshire, Hollie is now hoping students and women who aspire to go into business can see there is a real path to achieve their potential.

She said: “It is an incredible honour to be awarded an MBE. Of course, you want to be successful in business, however, I have spent my career trying to pay it forwards, open doors, and make a case that business, technology and entrepreneurship should belong to everyone.

“This MBE feels like a recognition of all those quiet conversations and what I hope it does do is inspire students at Telford College and young women who want to get into business.

“I want them to think they can go out and become an entrepreneur, whatever their background is.

“Hopefully they see people like me as accessible and look at my journey and see how I got to where I am.

“I think young women do need to see role models and hopefully I can be that to them.

“I have girls working in my businesses who are currently on apprenticeships and what I am saying to them is, ‘this could be you, this is something you could do too’.

“That would also be my message to girls and young people at Telford College who have ideas and may want to get into business. It could really be you.”

Hollie discovered she was set to receive an MBE around six weeks ago – and was sworn to secrecy until the announcement was made.

Now she is preparing for a date at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to receive her award from a member of the Royal Family.

The businesswoman, who is a passionate advocate for digital skills and apprenticeships, will be alongside a whole host of other female CEOs who were handed awards in the honours list.

Figures from the Cabinet Office show 49 per cent of recipients at CBE level and above are women, up from 30 per cent a decade ago.

Hollie believes this reinforces a message to young women and girls about what can be possible, no matter where they come from or what their backgrounds are.

“When I started there was a glass ceiling, but we’re starting to break through that now and that really shows with these awards.

“I want students and young women to see that – things have changed and are continuing to change.

“There is a route for them, and it is great to see other female entrepreneurs and founders being recognised.”