Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech, Awarded MBE for Services to Digital Entrepreneurship

Louise Harris, co-founder and CEO of Tramshed Tech, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List. The honour recognises her outstanding contribution to digital entrepreneurship and her pivotal role in shaping Wales’ technology ecosystem.

Since founding Tramshed Tech in 2016, Harris has led its transformation from a single co-working space in Cardiff to a thriving network of innovation hubs across Wales. The organisation supports hundreds of startups and scale-ups in the technology, digital, and creative sectors.

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Louise. “This award reflects not just my work, but the incredible achievements of my team and the wider Welsh tech ecosystem. From the entrepreneurs taking bold risks to build innovative businesses, to the partners and team members who’ve helped create the infrastructure to support them – this recognition belongs to all of us who believe Wales can be a global force in technology and innovation.”

Under Harris’s leadership, Tramshed Tech has delivered over 20 growth-focused business programmes, guiding entrepreneurs from concept to investment and beyond. Its three foundational pillars—Spaces, Ventures, and Skills—form a comprehensive support ecosystem for emerging tech businesses.

Her leadership has shaped Tramshed Tech into a leading force in Wales’ startup and innovation ecosystem, opening new hubs and creating opportunities for founders, creatives and tech talent. From international partnerships to landmark initiatives like the Tech Export and Soft-Landing Programmes, Harris has helped elevate Wales on the global stage.

“Louise exemplifies the tenacity and ambition that defines truly exceptional entrepreneurs. Her vision for Tramshed Tech and unwavering commitment to building Wales’ tech ecosystem has been remarkable to witness. I’ve seen firsthand how Louise’s leadership has transformed not just a single company, but an entire regional innovation landscape. This MBE recognition is thoroughly deserved.”
– Lord Mervyn Davies, Chairman and Main Investor, Tramshed Tech

A champion for diversity and inclusion in tech, Harris launched Wales’ first Female Founder Investor Readiness Programme in 2024 with British Business Bank. She co-founded the Data Inclusivity Network with Cardiff Capital Region and supports the Invest in Women Taskforce—a £250 million UK initiative accelerating investment in female-led ventures.

Her contributions span public and private advisory roles, including the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group, UK Tech Cluster Group, and Pearson’s AI and Innovation board. These roles amplify her influence in shaping digital policy and practice across the UK.

Before Tramshed Tech, Harris founded the Big Learning Company, delivering digital skills programmes in collaboration with global brands such as LEGO Education—an expertise now embedded within Tramshed Tech’s Skills pillar.

Louise Harris’s MBE recognition is a reflection of her passion, ambition and relentless drive to build a stronger, more inclusive Welsh tech ecosystem. Her name now appears alongside other distinguished recipients such as David Beckham and Stevie Wonder in the 2025 Honours List.

For more on Tramshed Tech’s celebration of this achievement, read their LinkedIn announcement.