King Honours Building Digital UK Strategy Director in 2026 New Year List

The UK government has recognized the achievements of Matt Agar, Strategy Director for the Building Digital UK (BDUK) agency, in the 2026 New Year Honours List. Agar has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to digital infrastructure and broadband.

Key Role in Delivering Gigabit Broadband

As Strategy Director for BDUK, which operates within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Agar has played a crucial role in driving the agency’s mission to deliver gigabit broadband and improved mobile connectivity across the nation.

“Matt’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the success of our £5 billion Project Gigabit scheme,” said a BDUK spokesperson. “His tireless efforts have helped bring high-speed internet access to millions of homes and businesses.”

Rigorous Nomination Process

The King’s New Year Honours List aims to recognize individuals from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to public service in the UK. Nominees undergo a rigorous vetting process by various government departments and an honours committee before being approved.

“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to receive this honour,” Agar said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire BDUK team in our mission to bridge the digital divide.”

Driving Digital Transformation

Under Agar’s strategic guidance, BDUK has made significant strides in expanding gigabit broadband coverage across the country. The agency has worked closely with industry partners and local authorities to accelerate the rollout of full-fibre networks.

“We’ve seen a remarkable 60% increase in gigabit-capable connections over the past year alone,” noted Agar. “But there’s still more work to be done to ensure every corner of the UK can reap the benefits of digital connectivity.”

Focusing on Underserved Areas

One of Agar’s key priorities has been targeting investment and support towards underserved rural and remote areas that have traditionally struggled with slow or non-existent broadband access.

“Bringing reliable, high-speed internet to these communities is not just about convenience,” Agar emphasized. “It’s about unlocking economic opportunities, improving access to education and healthcare, and enabling greater social inclusion.”

Collaborating with Industry

Agar has also been praised for his collaborative approach in working with telecom operators, infrastructure providers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of gigabit networks.

“Matt has been a strong advocate for fostering a competitive and investment-friendly environment in the sector,” said an industry executive who has worked closely with BDUK. “His ability to bring different parties together and find common ground has been crucial.”

Looking to the Future

As BDUK continues its mission to deliver universal gigabit broadband coverage by 2030, Agar remains focused on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“While we celebrate the progress made so far, we cannot rest on our laurels,” he said. “Ensuring every home and business has access to fast, reliable connectivity will require sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration across government, industry, and communities.”

With Agar’s strategic leadership and the ongoing efforts of BDUK, the UK is well-positioned to cement its status as a global leader in digital infrastructure in the years to come.