CINEMA Proprietor Geoffrey Greaves has been awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours list for services to the cinema sector.

Starting his career at ABC Cinemas and Cinema International Corporation, Geoffrey founded Merlin Cinemas in 1990 with the opening of the Savoy in Penzance. The company has since grown to 20 locations across England, Wales and Scotland.

Merlin, who have cinemas in Bodmin, Helston, Falmouth, Redruth, St Ives and Penzance, specialise in operating rural and coastal cinemas, mainly in towns where there would otherwise be no local cinema.

A spokesperson for Merlin said: “This prestigious honour reflects the dedication Geoff has shown to Cinema and the often historic buildings they sit within over the last 40 years. From the early days of Merlin Cinemas to where we stand today, Geoff has been a driving force, inspiring us all with his passion to save and operate cinemas, all to bring the magic of cinema to as many communities as possible.

“Under Geoff’s leadership, Merlin Cinemas has grown from one cinema in Penzance to 19 locations with a new venue also in the pipeline for 2025 as the company celebrates its 35th birthday!”

“We would like to share our heartfelt congratulations for this incredible accolade which is well deserved. Your tireless efforts to keep cinemas accessible and share that big screen movie magic with people from every background is admirable.”

Earlier this year, the cinema operator announced that ownership of the company would be transferred from Geoffrey, who was the managing director, to an Employee Ownership Trust, which will protect the interests of the 320 people who work in the company's cinemas and restaurants.

Geoffrey has stayed on with the company in a new supporting role with the intention of a gradual transition to retirement.