Tom Bloxham, Founding Chair of Factory International and Chairman of award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash, has been awarded a CBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

The CBE for ‘Services to Culture’ is Tom’s second honour following his MBE for services to architecture and regeneration in 1999. It recognises Tom’s longstanding commitment to culture in the UK, particularly his two-decade tenure as Founding Chair of Factory International and the Manchester International Festival (MIF).

During his leadership, alongside the artistic direction of Alex Poots, and then John McGrath, Tom oversaw the establishment of MIF – now one of the world’s leading arts festivals, and the first to be entirely focused on the commissioning and producing of ambitious new work. In 2023, Tom led the organisation into a new era with the opening of Aviva Studios, the UK’s newest cultural landmark and the new permanent home of Factory International.

Speaking of the honour Tom said: I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a long and diverse career, one that has opened doors to extraordinary opportunities and allowed me to pursue my passion for arts and culture. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most brilliantly talented figures in the cultural sector, and I’m truly delighted that those collective efforts have been recognised today.”

John McGrath, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, Factory International said: “"From the earliest ideas of building a distinctive festival of new commissions through to the launch of our unique venue, Aviva Studios, Tom was an inspiring Chair at every step of the journey. His leadership and vision were absolutely pivotal - we simply wouldn’t be where we are today without them. I’m truly delighted to see him receive this official recognition. Manchester, myself, and countless artists and audiences owe him a profound and heartfelt thank you."

Tom has also held numerous cultural roles, including serving as a trustee for both Arts Council England and the Tate. He has also been Chair of the Ancoats Urban Village Trust and the Centre for Cities think tank, as well as a trustee of the Manchester United Foundation and the Bloxham Charitable Trust.

Image: Zoe Law