A Surbiton woman who started her own fashion technology company while still at university has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Jenny Griffiths, 27, won for services to digital innovation in the fashion industry after she started writing complicated computer codes to build her start-up, Snap Fashion, while still studying.
The website lets you upload pictures of clothes you have seen and it then tells you where to buy similar items.
Miss Griffiths now works closely with university students offering part-time jobs and internships for graduates who have struggled to find paid work.
She said: “I still don’t have a clue who would have put me forward for it.
“It’s really weird to be receiving an honour like this at such a young age but I’m obviously really excited.
“I had the idea and started writing allgorhythms for the company when I was still at university so it’s great to be helping students now.”
Lorraine Brockhurst has also received an MBE for services to young people in the workplace.
Mrs Brockhurst, who runs work experience programs for students at HMRC, is the daughter of Old Malden councillor David Fraser.
Mr Fraser received his MBE two years ago.
The award is doubly special for Mrs Brockhurst as her daughter is getting married today.
She said: “I can’t believe I’m getting honoured for doing a job I love so much. It’s a really special day because my daughter is getting married and I remember going with my dad to pick up his MBE and being so proud.”
Susan Knowles, a paediatric and educational audiologist at Kingston Hospital, received an OBE for services to child health.
John Isaac, from Worcester Park, received an OBE For services to border security.
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