Michael Marshall, the chairman of dealer group and aerospace company Marshall of Cambridge, was made a knight in the New Year's Honours.
The honour comes after the company celebrated its centenary in 2009. Marshalls was founded by his grandfather David Gregory Marshall in Cambridge as a chauffeur drive firm.
Marshall’s interests spread from car dealerships to army field hospitals, parts for military aircraft and the ownership of Cambridge airport.
Sir Michael's holding in the business is valued at £75 million by the Sunday Times Rich List.