Jo Bamford awarded CBE for services to clean hydrogen economy
Wrightbus chairman and clean energy investor Jo Bamford has been awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his role in driving the UK’s hydrogen sector.
Bamford, 47, is best known for rescuing Northern Irish bus maker Wrightbus from collapse in 2019 and transforming it into a global exporter of zero-emission hydrogen and battery-electric buses.
The company now supports more than 10,000 jobs across the UK, with hydrogen buses operating in countries including Germany, Australia and Hong Kong.
Bamford also chairs the £6.5bn Project HySpeed, a private-sector mega-project aimed at building clean hydrogen infrastructure across Britain’s industrial heartlands.
He also leads the HydraB Group and founded HYCAP, a clean-tech investment fund backing hydrogen production and alternative energy ventures worldwide.
The Cabinet Office said his CBE was awarded “for services to innovating the clean hydrogen economy.”
Reacting to the honour, Bamford said: “I firmly believe the UK has what it takes to be a global leader in clean energy and net zero gives us the chance to develop a bountiful energy market… creating UK products for home and for international markets, and waving the flag for the United Kingdom.
“I am proud to be involved in this incredible industry and humbled by the King’s recognition.”
This year’s Birthday Honours list recognises public service and outstanding achievements across the UK. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the recipients “reflect the very best of Britain.”
