Earlier this year we announced that Barry Leahey, Playdale’s Managing Director, had been named on the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List to receive an MBE for ‘Services to UK Trade & Investment and Exports’. The definition of MBE is Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Barry has been the driving force behind Playdale’s growth strategy and has successfully formed distribution agreements in 46 countries in less than 7 years.
Barry and his family were then cordially invited to travel to Buckingham Palace on Thursday 7th December for his investiture. An investiture is a special day when someone who has been awarded an honour receives their award in person from The Queen or a Member of the Royal Family; in Barry’s case, it was to be Prince Charles. The investee visits the Royal residence with members of their family, to be awarded their medal.
It was a truly memorable occasion that Barry and his family will reflect upon for years to come…including a chat with Ed Sheeran who was also being awarded his MBE shortly after Barry!
Barry reflected, “Receiving this MBE has been one of my greatest achievements and a very proud moment. It reinforces that with passion and perseverance anyone can achieve their goals! I could not have done it without the support of my family, Playdale colleagues and friends.”
Congratulations Barry on this most deserving of awards!
Contact Us Today Discuss your project with our Sales Team by filling in the form below. Play without limits. Value without compromise. Bring more opportunities for shared play to your playground with limited-time offers on two Playdale favourites: the Inclusive Orbit and the Team Swing. Order by 30th November 2026 to take advantage of these […]
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Picnic & Play… in England Welcome to our 2026 Picnic and Play guide, bringing together some of our favourite family-friendly parks and playgrounds across England. With fantastic playground equipment and plenty of space to unpack a picnic, each destination makes the perfect place for a family day out this summer. There are, of course, many […]
