Punch Records director Ammo Talwar is being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours List for 2008, for his services to the music industry.

Others named in this years list include OBEs for Kylie Minogue, George Alagiah and Jazzie B, a knighthood to Michael Parkinson and MBEs for Brian Ashton, England’s head Rugby coach and John Higgins, the current world professional snooker champion.

Just over ten years ago Ammo set up Punch Records, a small music shop selling urban records in Perry Barr, Birmingham.

In 2005 he launched exhibition on Bhangra: From Soho Road to the Punjab, and more recently the first book on Bhangra music.

Janette Bushell, chair of Punch’s board of directors said: “As Director of Punch, his imagination and professional generosity has resulted in thousands of educational workshops and events launching new careers in the music industry. Many people who have worked with Ammo are now successful DJs, producers and workshop leaders inspiring others to reach their potential.”

Punch is an artist-led organisation, that also operates as a retail store, promoter, producer, marketing agency and education organisation. As well as a range of projects targeted at young people, Punch also commissions and produces work in a range of art forms including theatre, dance, music, visual arts and film.