Maltese-Born Business Leader Noreen Burroughes Receives MBE at Windsor

London, 19 February 2026 — Noreen Burroughes (née Cesareo) has received her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle, in recognition of her services to women in international trade and entrepreneurship.

The honour was originally announced in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List and recognises her sustained contribution to advancing women’s economic empowerment across the UK and internationally.

With a long-standing commitment to inclusive international trade and enterprise, Burroughes has become a recognised strategic voice in both UK and global spheres. Her work focuses on shaping more inclusive markets, strengthening capacity building, advancing inclusive supply chains, and embedding gender-responsive approaches within business and trade ecosystems.

Her portfolio bridges research, policy engagement, business leadership and grassroots advocacy — enabling women to upskill in digital and enterprise capabilities while accessing international trade and investment opportunities.

Burroughes is the founding President of the UK Chapter of the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and serves as Executive President of OWIT International, working with UK trade institutions and multilateral stakeholders to strengthen women’s integration into global trade systems. She recently co-hosted and organised the Malta Women and Finance Summit in Malta, to increase financial literacy among Maltese women of all ages.

Speaking following the ceremony at Windsor Castle, Burroughes said:
“Receiving the MBE at Windsor Castle from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal was a very special and humbling moment. It represents nearly two decades of collaboration, shared purpose and collective effort. This recognition belongs to the many women and men working every day to build stronger, more inclusive economies — in the UK, globally and here in Malta.”

Burroughes leads Market Accents, the strategic advisory she founded in 2007. She sits on several UK and international boards, including the Malta Business Network Foundation and the OWIT UK Chapter Board. She is also a Trustee of the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund (CGEF), supporting access to education for girls across the Commonwealth.

Originally from Santa Luċija, Malta, she was educated at Immaculate Conception School, Tarxien, and De La Salle College, Cottonera, and is a postgraduate alumna of the University of Malta. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Burroughes is married to financial journalist Tom Burroughes of Halesworth, Suffolk, and lives in London.

This award acknowledges her sustained contribution to mainstreaming gender equity in trade policy and practice, both within the UK and internationally.

Noreen Cesareo shortlisted for the UK’s Largest Diversity Awards 2020

Noreen Cesareo, Principal at Market Accents has been shortlisted for the Positive Role Model, Gender category at the National Diversity Awards 2020.

A record breaking 64,000 people nominated this year alone and the results are finally in for the National Diversity Awards (NDA), with an astonishing 126 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide. Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 26th February 2021 to witness the country’s 2020 winners being crowned the best of British diversity. Among those being honoured are charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways.

Noreen, shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award, Gender for her work in women’s economic empowerment and girls education said, “This was a surprise announcement as although I have been working in this field for quite a while, I, like many others, tend to take our work as a given, part of leaving the world in a better place than we found it. I am passionate about what I do, and what we have achieved, but there is so much more to be done. I see this shortlist as an acknowledgement of this work and will hopefully use it as a platform to reach out in many other areas.’

Nielsen, Direct Line Group and The Open University have recently been announced as sponsors of the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to over 800 grass root groups and diversity champions since its inception. ITV News are also listed amongst a host of companies showcasing their support to recognising diverse talent, providing a platform to our unsung heroes.

Rachel Corp, Acting Editor, ITV News said: “We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others have made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in our society. We look forward to introducing the 2020 nominees to our viewers across the regions and nation.”

Designed to highlight the country’s most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA’s continue to gain endorsements from high profile figures such as Sir Lenny Henry CBE and Graham Norton. Activist Katie Piper, Presenters Alex Brooker & Ade Adepitan MBE and Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano were on this year’s judging panel, dedicating their time to help choose the highly anticipated shortlist.

Actress and comedian Sally Phillips will take centre stage on 26th February as the official host of this year’s ceremony. Sally said, “This year has presented historic challenges for everyone but with them we have also seen extraordinary and heroic achievements of people fighting to keep some of our most vulnerable communities supported. We need a spotlight on our communities, need, human rights and care for those on the outside like never before. We need to meet, exchange ideas and resources and pool skills more urgently than ever. I am ever-grateful for the NDA network and couldn’t be prouder to be returning to their tremendous awards as host for a second time. See you there?”

Previous winners include actor Warwick Davis, men’s mental health charity Andys Man Club and reformed breast cancer survivor Codilia Gapare. Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards added, “During difficult and challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise our countries true role models. The nation has embraced the diversity of our country and exceeded every other year by submitting a record breaking 64,000 nominations and votes. Let me reiterate that creating this shortlist was no easy task. The profound impact made by all our nominees is astonishing, and I feel personally encouraged to know that so many lives are being changed for the better due to the many causes being championed by all of you. After weeks of deliberating and thousands of heartfelt testimonials later, I am delighted to finally present to you the best of British Diversity. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees, it is an honour to recognise your fearlessness, resilience and humanitarian efforts with the rest of the world. Let’s continue the fight for justice, unity and equality for all”.

To view a full list of nominees please visit www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/shortlist

News: Maltese-Born Business Leader Noreen Burroughes Receives MBE at Windsor