Peter Phillipson, chairman of leisure group Merlin Entertainments, which owns venues including Alton Towers, the London Eye and London Dungeon, received an OBE ahead of a big year for the firm, with many financial analysts predicting a possible floatation.
Victoria and Albert Museum director Mark Jones scooped a knighthood for services to the arts.
And William Baxter, deputy chief executive of Reading-based caterer BaxterStorey, became a CBE for his services to the catering industry.
In total 979 people were listed for honours.
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