Pat McFadden, a local MP and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, made the call during a special event in Birmingham on Thursday, September 4, honouring around 100 recent recipients in the West Midlands.
Mr McFadden said: “As an MP in the West Midlands for the past 20 years, I know just how much creative energy, good work and community spirit there is in our region.
“But sometimes I don’t think we tell our story as loudly as we should to the rest of the country.
“The West Midlands has so much to offer.
“Let’s make sure people know about it.
“The Honours System is one way we can do that.
“It can showcase the fantastic work and the fantastic people we have here.
“So I want us to nominate more people, highlight more work and tell the country and the world what we’re about.”
At the celebratory event, held at The Exchange in Birmingham, the minister was introduced by Professor Adam Tickell, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham.
The minister recognised the rise in MBEs awarded in the region.
In the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, 35 MBEs were given across the county, the highest number for the last eight honours rounds since 2021.
More than 70 people from the region were recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
At the event, among those celebrated for their honours was Karen Blanchfield from Stourport, who received a BEM for services to environmental education.
Other recipients included foster carers Michelle and Simon Hawkins from Staffordshire, who have cared for around 20 children over 12 years, and the Very Reverend Father Mykola Matwijiwskyj from Coventry, who was recognised for his work in refugee resettlement and supporting the Ukrainian community.
Mr McFadden is urging people to come forward and help shine a light on more individuals making a difference in their communities.