Palace honour for chamber’s Cheryl

THE chief executive of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has described receiving her MBE at Buckingham Palace as a “once in a lifetime” experience.

Cheryl Smart has worked for the chamber for more than 25 years, and began her career there working to aid export businesses. She has become known for taking businesses on missions to areas of the world not known for being hospitable to women.

She was awarded the MBE for services to business, and received her medal from HRH The Prince of Wales.

Cheryl, who is also a governor of the Luton and Dunstable NHS Trust, a board member of the local enterprise partnership SEMLEP and a trustee of the University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union, said: “I was very proud to be presented with my award by the Prince of Wales.

“It was a once in a lifetime day for me and my family and a great honour not only for me but also for Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.”

Cheryl was accompanied to the palace by her husband Ken and daughters Donna and Kelly.