Playdale Playground ’s managing director, Barry Leahey has been named on the Queen’s Birthday List 2017 and will receive an MBE for services to UK Trade and Exports.

He joined the Haverthwaite-based company in in 2004 as sales and marketing director and progressed to managing director in 2015.

Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart has been appointed Minister of State for Africa in a role which will exist in both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development .

Mr Stewart has represented the area since 2010 and was previously Minister of State for International Development.

H&H Insurance Brokers has appointed Stephen Ward as associate sales director.

Mr Ward has joined the firm, which is based in Rosehill, Carlisle, from Bluefin Insurance Services , where he was commercial account executive.

The L eathes Head Hotel, in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley, near Keswick, has announced Noel Breaks will lead the team in the two AA Rosette awarded restaurant.

Mr Breaks, who is originally from Halifax in Yorkshire, started his early career and training at the Relais Chateaux Isle of Eriska , in Scotland, and during his time at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant it gained a series of prestigious accolades including Scottish Restaurant of the Year and C atey Independent Hotel of the Year .

Nestlé

, which has a factory in Dalston, have announced that Stefano Agostini will become the new chief executive of the company in the UK and Ireland next month.

Mr Agnosti is currently the chief executive and president of Nestlé Waters Italy and will succeed Dame Fiona Kendrick, who will become the UK company's chairman.