SimplyBiz founder Ken Davy has been named in King Charles III’s 2025 New Year honours.
Davy (pictured), who is a non-executive director at SimplyBiz parent company Fintel, was honoured with an OBE for his services to rugby league. He has been chair of Huddersfield Giants since 1996.
Ken Davy reacted to the news he would receive an OBE: “When I received the news of the Honour I was absolutely delighted and pleased beyond words, however, testament must go to the thousands of volunteers who are out in all weathers helping young people get involved in Rugby League. These youngsters have fun and enjoy themselves whilst also developing as people and gaining fitness along with vital life skills, such as individual responsibility and discipline. Credit really does have to go to these voluntary unsung heroes who do so much valuable work both locally and throughout the whole of the rugby league community.
“My greatest personal regret of course is that my wonderful wife, Jennifer, isn’t around to celebrate this Honour with us. She would undoubtedly have been incredibly pleased and very proud.
“It’s also a feather in the cap for everyone involved with the Huddersfield Giants, and puts us in even better heart for the upcoming season. The Giant’s players are preparing well and Robbo and the coaching staff are working hard to get everyone ready. We don’t want to overpromise, but we are all very determined to improve on our last couple of seasons.”
Richard Thewlis, managing director of the Huddersfield Giants also paid tribute to Ken: “On behalf of the clubs board, coaches, players and staff we send our congratulations to Ken on this very well deserved and prestigious honour.
“There is little doubt that our club would not be where it is today without Ken and his family but also the wider game of rugby league has benefitted enormously for his involvement in our great game. He has always put the games wider interests above any club gains and his integrity and leadership was recognised a few years back by the clubs when they asked him to lead the Super League at a very difficult time, a challenge which of course he accepted and i’m sure has been recognised by everyone as being the right thing for the game as a whole.
“He has now returned to the role of chairman at our club and it will be a source of great pride I am sure to the entire Giants family to at last see the title of the Order of the British Empire bestowed upon Ken.”
