Ian Crowe, the Managing Director of CPC Office Supplies Ltd and a trustee on the board of the charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI), has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal, in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List.

The award recognises Ian’s committed service to the community of Northern Ireland, having supported numerous organisations such as Air Ambulance NI, Past President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, City of Derry Rugby Club and others in a voluntary capacity over the last forty years. Of note, Ian was Chairman of the board of trustees that lobbied the Government and successfully formed the charity AANI and still serves on the board of trustees who continue to contribute to its operational success.

Ian has lived and worked in Northern Ireland since the beginning of his career, with his first leadership role as Captain of City of Derry Rugby 1st XV in 1978, a position he held for four years. Ian also represented Ulster between 1978 to 1985. On retirement from playing he served the club he derived so much enjoyment from in multiple roles as a Coach, Chairman, President, All Ireland league Referee and current Trustee of one of the oldest the Rugby Clubs in Ireland. He has been leading CPC Office Supplies as Managing Director since 1984 and his success in business led to several non-executive roles in business and charity organisations. Ian also served as High Sherriff of Londonderry and is a Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Londonderry.

Ian, who is married to Christine with a son Jonathan and daughter Nicola, has dedicated himself to supporting organisations across Northern Ireland in sectors ranging from Sport, Peace and Reconciliation, Business and the Charity sector and cites the most notable achievement is being part of a team, including Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), who successfully delivered a fully operational Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) providing a lifesaving service for Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the award, Ian said: “I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference in my local community, so I was incredibly surprised and delighted to have been awarded an MBE and recognised in this way. To have been acknowledged for my contribution to the charity AANI is particularly special, not only for me but for every single person, some of whom some are no longer with us, who have supported the charity on its journey. This includes my five fellow charity trustees who continue to be committed to making the air ambulance a service we can all be incredibly proud of.”

“Looking forward my hope is that the charity AANI continues to provide, and expand, this much needed medical service and that the generous financial support from businesses and members of the public allows us to keep our medics in the air.”