Hove-based Robert Starr awarded MBE for his service to young people

The start of 2025 brings exciting news for Hove-based businessman and charity founder Robert Starr, who has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours list.

An MBE has been awarded to Robert Starr for his service to young people, general philanthropy and the work he undertakes for his charity, the Starr Trust, does.

Robert started his first business, Seico, selling insurance from his bedroom just a few years after leaving school and now, 34 years later, is still running this business, including a successful mortgage broker business – Seico Group – based in Hove and London.

In 2008 Robert set up The Starr Trust charity after losing his father, Edward, to cancer. He said that he wanted to give others what his father gave him – a belief that he could achieve anything.

The Starr Trust offers grants to young people who need a chance to be the best that they can be and need someone to believe in them. So far, the charity has raised and given away over two million pounds to over 6,000 young people.

Robert commented: “I’m truly honoured to have been awarded an MBE. I love working and supporting young people to help them achieve their goals. This means so much to me and The Starr Trust. We can’t wait to continue helping young people to thrive.”

More information about The Starr Trust can be found here.

Away from insurance, charities and writing (Robert is a published author), he loves a challenge. In 2022 he completed the 52 Olympic triathlons in 52 consecutive weeks. Robert is married to Sharon and has three children, Asher, Mia and Jesse.