Award-winning Robertsbridge cabinet maker given BEM for Queen's birthday

Edward Harringman (right) presents his gold medal winning cabinet to Skills Minister Nick Boles (centre) at 10 Downing Street. They are joined by Christian Notley (left), a lecturer at Chichester College and a WorldSkills UK Expert for Cabinet Making.

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An award-winning cabinet maker from Robertsbridge has been named on the Queen's birthday honours list with a BEM for his services to skills.

Edward Harringman won gold for his cabinet-making at the 2015 World Skills competition in São Paulo, Brazil, with his creation on display at 10 Downing Street.

The 22-year-old has been given the award as part of Queen Elizabeth’s annual birthday honours which this year, coincide with Her Majesty’s official 90th birthday.

“This is the world’s largest international skills competition and at 22 years old he was able to successfully compete against the best in the world in this field,” a cabinet office spokesman said.

“His outstanding achievement lies in the dedication he has shown in the honing of his skills to enable him to beat the best in the world.

“Whilst studying woodwork part-time at Chichester College, he started working for himself from the garage of the family home.

“The business developed and he has plans to expand the business to include making the highest quality bespoke free- standing and fitted furniture.