‘It is a very proud moment for me and my family': West Midlands entrepreneur knighted in King's New Year Honours

Sir Richard Harpin, as he will now be known, has come a long way since he began his journey to business success by selling white rabbits to friends at school.

The multi-millionaire businessman, who founded HomeServe - the multinational home emergency repairs and improvements business headquartered in Walsall, said he was “incredibly honoured” at the Royal recognition which was awarded for services to politics.

As well as backing businesses and entrepreneurs throughout his career, Sir Richard has paid close attention to politics and is estimated to have donated £3.8 million to the Conservative Party. He is also reported to have been paying £33,000 a month for the party’s upkeep of an office in the north of England.

He was made a knight along with actor Idris Elba, while actress Meera Syal was awarded a damehood - with ice skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean also bestowed with the same honours.

He said in a social post after the news was announced: ”I feel incredibly honoured to have been awarded a Knighthood in the New Year Honours List. It is a very proud moment for me and my family, and I am extremely grateful for all the kind messages and support.

“Throughout my career, my focus has been on inspiring breakthrough in business - creating jobs, backing entrepreneurs and helping companies reach their full potential.