A businessman based in Buckinghamshire said he is 'proud and grateful' after being recognised for his services to the country in the King's New Year Honours list.

Phil Dudderidge, 74, founder and chairman of Focusrite, a music and audio products company based in High Wycombe, has been awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to business and the music industry in King Charles III's New Year Honours list.

Phil, whose career has spanned over 50 years and includes working as Led Zeppelin's touring soundman in 1970, follows in the footsteps of his father, the Olympian John Dudderidge who was awarded an OBE in the 1960s for his services to British canoeing.

The 74-year-old, who founded and sold what is now Soundcraft Electronics before acquiring the assets of Focusrite in 1989, said he was "honoured, humbled and thrilled" by the prestigious recognition.

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Adding: "This is not just an honour for me but is recognition of all the incredible people I have worked with over the decades, particularly our amazing team at Focusrite.

"Everybody attached to the company has had a lot of faith to get us to where we are today, and I am most proud of the fact that both Focusrite and Soundcraft have provided opportunities for people to develop their careers.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, but particularly my family and my wife Jenny."

Tim Carroll, CEO of Focusrite, described Phil as a "colossus" in the audio industry, and a personification of the company's values, "to smash through barriers and unleash boundless creativity in the world of sound".