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Dining Room to Steel Tycoon: MBE Honour
30 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Jackie Neal founded Abbey Forged Products from her dining room table.
- The firm is a leading European stainless steel supplier.
- Her company contributes to critical UK security projects.
Jackie Neal, a resident of Bakewell, Derbyshire, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours. She is among a select group of senior women in the UK's steel industry.
In the 1970s, Neal established Abbey Forged Products, a company that has since grown from humble beginnings at her dining room table to now employing over 200 individuals. The firm has cemented its position as one of Europe's foremost suppliers of forged metal and stainless steel.
Abbey Forged Products plays a crucial role in supporting critical UK security projects. Its contributions extend to sensitive areas such as nuclear power, aerospace, and submarine development, highlighting the company's significant impact.
