MBE honour for Danbro founders

A couple who have created a national company that supports thousands of contractors have been awarded an MBE by the Queen for their tireless commitment to the freelance worker community.

Damian and Helen Broughton have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours for their work with the self-employed, small businesses and the local community.

Describing the honour as a “shot out of the blue”, the couple are modest about being recognised and say: “If you could make a difference to someone’s life, why wouldn’t you?”

The pair founded accountancy and professional employment business Danbro in 1999 to provide financial services to contractors, self-employed individuals, freelance workers, sole traders, those with their own limited company and small businesses.

Based in Lytham, Lancashire, the business has rapidly grown to have a national presence and employs more than 200 people, working with more than 7,500 clients.

With a strong family culture, the company is dedicated to providing expert and trusted advice to its customers and also works hard to support the Lytham community, giving time and money to play an integral role in local life.

Managing director Damian says: “It’s unbelievable to have had our names put forward and we are very honoured to have been considered.

“We’ve always worked hard to support our customers, partners, staff and the communities we live and work in and we reinvest our profits in them. We’re happy to be able to make a difference and to get this recognition is fantastic.”

Director of people and standards, Helen, adds: “It’s a bit unreal but we’re absolutely delighted to be getting this honour.

“We’ve always had a great affinity for the people we work with and the community we live in. We are both Lancashire bred and we love the people here – they are great fun and really down to earth.

“This honour is for everyone that works with us and we feel very lucky to be able to give something back.”