Laura Bounds of Kent Crisps recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list 2021

Laura Claire Bounds' MBE is in recognition of her work done through the firm she owns, Kent Crisps of Bridge near Canterbury.

The snack firm's flavours are made using real Kent produce such as Ashmore cheese from Canterbury and Biddenden cider. The packets feature county landscapes and landmarks such as Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and the Turner Contemporary in Margate.

Since taking over Kent Crisps in 2017, Ms Bounds has been the driving force behind growing the business, with a focus on export. It now supplies international airlines, trains andferry services and10 markets across the globe such as Germany, America and Asia.

Mrs Bounds, 34, owns multiple Kent businesses alongside Kent Crisps, including brands Kentish Oils and A Little Bit Food Co. She is also an Export Champion for the Department of International Trade, Kent Ambassador and a mentor for the Kent Business School at the University of Kent.

Mrs Bounds:

"To have been awarded an MBE is an absolute privilege, especially when it relates to the work done for a county that I am so proud to be a part of. Kent Crisps is made up of a small but extremely passionate team, without whom I would not have had this opportunity."

"I hope that this proves to others that we all can make a difference, and that with hard work and determination, anything is possible."

Mrs Bounds attended secondary school in Canterbury and then Canterbury College where she graduated with an HND. She then completed a BA in public service management at the University of Worcester, shortly followed by graduating with a Masters Degree in Sociology.

She joined Kent Crisps initially within a sales development role, quickly progressed to commercial director and was in a management buyout in 2017. Kent Crisps is one of the few snack brands in the UK which has remained independently owned and is one of few, if any, which is solely female-led.

Mrs Bounds has won a number of awards in recent years, including Business Woman of the Year at the Kent Women in Business Awards, with Kent Crisps also winning multiple awards.