Richard Marshall, owner of Pall Mall Barbers, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026. The honour recognises his contributions to international trade, mentoring, and support for people with dyslexia. Marshall, who was diagnosed with severe dyslexia and later ADHD, built his business from a challenging start, leaving school at 15 with no formal qualifications.
His work extends beyond his global barbershop brand; he actively mentors and champions neurodivergent individuals. Marshall also advises the government on small business policy as a member of the Small Business Growth Council. This dual focus highlights a broader industry conversation: are businesses adequately supporting neurodivergent talent and entrepreneurs?
The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) Chief Executive, Caroline Larissey, specifically noted Marshall's expertise on the NHBF Board. She emphasised his role in making industry communications more accessible and inclusive for a sector with a significant neurodivergent population. This suggests a genuine, measurable impact of his advocacy on industry support structures.
Marshall’s story challenges conventional success narratives, demonstrating that overcoming personal obstacles can fuel significant professional achievement. The recognition serves as a powerful testament to the value of diverse experiences and alternative learning pathways within business. The key question for salon and barbershop owners remains how to better integrate and leverage the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals within their own teams and client services.
