​Sue Howell, co-owner and financial director of Wye Valley Metals in Rotherwas, was honoured with the British Metals Recycling Association’s (BMRA) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was announced by Nigel O’Gorman of FJ Church during the BMRA’s annual dinner at the Royal Lancaster in London. Mr O’Gorman praised Ms Howell’s 40-year career, beginning with ‘humble beginnings, with just a skip lorry and a few skips.’ Wye Valley Metals now employs 160 people, runs 40 HGVs, and achieves an annual turnover of £50 million. Ms Howell said: “I am so very humbled to receive the British Metals Recycling Association Lifetime Achievement Award. “It is an incredible honour. “I couldn’t have got here without the amazing people I have had the privilege to work with over the years and those who have supported me – especially my brother, Andrew. “I’m proud to represent Wye Valley Metals and to stand alongside so many fantastic people driving our sector forward.” Ms Howell was unable to attend the awards dinner due to unforeseen circumstances, but she was later presented with the award by Susie Burridge OBE, president of the Bureau of International Recycling, at a Wye Valley Metals Christmas event in Hereford. Mr O’Gorman credited Ms Howell’s leadership in expanding Wye Valley Metals into one of Herefordshire’s largest businesses, with diversification into demolition, asbestos removal, groundworks, quarrying, and commercial property. He also noted her ‘under the radar’ charitable contributions.