Panaz News Article

Panaz CEO Named in New Year’s Honours

The contribution of Panaz CEO Anthony (Tony) Attard to the development of British design and commerce in the worldwide contract furnishing sector has been recognised with the award of an OBE for services to the textile industry and international trade.

The official announcement of the award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire to Mr Attard was made in the New Year’s Honours List published on 31 December.
Tony is the founder and Group Chief Executive of Lancashire-based Panaz Limited, where he has spearheaded the design and technical advancement of flame retardant fabrics for the worldwide hospitality, leisure, cruise ship and healthcare sectors. Formed in 1986, the company today exports to 46 countries, operating worldwide through subsidiary companies in Europe and the USA and a global network of agents.
Under Tony Attard’s direction, Panaz has been presented with two past Queen’s Awards, marking the company’s success in both Export Achievement and Enterprise. However, Tony’s activities and interests extend far beyond the Burnley boardroom: he is currently National President of the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association (FTBA) and a member of the Manchester University Department of Textiles Industrial Advisory Group, and he is a former Chairman of the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Associate of the Institute of Textiles and a Member of the Institute of Management, and has received an Outstanding Alumnus award from Manchester University, where he began his career by winning a Courtaulds Scholarship to read for a BSc in Design Management. Other accolades have come from the Design Council and the DTI in recognition of his contribution to the contract furnishing industry worldwide.
A Freeman of the City of London, Tony Attard sits on the Board of Creative Lancashire and the General Assembly of Manchester University and is a past IoD Lancashire Director of the Year. He is currently the BCFA spokesman on design and export matters.
Reflecting on his award, Tony Attard, OBE said ‘The honour is not just for me but for all those with whom I work – and have worked in the past – to ensure that the fine tradition of innovation and quality in British furnishing design will continue to be recognised around the world for generations to come.’
Aged 51, Tony Attard lives with his family in Grimsargh, near Preston.