CBE for Psion founder

David Potter, founder, chairman and chief executive of handheld computer manufacturer Psion, was the most notable technology industrialist to be recognised in the 1997 honours list.

The man who aims 'to lead the industry, advance society and enrich people's lives' has bagged a CBE for services to the manufacturing industry.

He said: 'I am honoured. I hope it may encourage more among the younger generation in Britain to enter industry to create the products and markets of tomorrow ... 1997 will bring more opportunities for Psion and I hope we'll continue to make a successful contribution to Britain's manufacturing industry.'

Other honours went to David Jenkins, finance director of Sony Manufacturing Company UK, and Arthur Mason, research manager of video compression company Digi Media Vision. They both received an OBE.