After Dinner Speakers: Cary Cooper, Pete Townshend, Andrew Castle

Professor Cary Cooper, head of organisational psychology and health at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, has been made a CBE. Professor Cooper's high media profile has made him a powerful advocate in the campaign for an end to the culture of excessive working hours in the UK. Professor Cooper, an American by birth who took British citizenship a decade ago, told BBC News Online he was "really pleased" that his work had been recognised. He said: "I just want to make sure that there is a better balance between home and work. "Both partners now work in two out of three couples, and we have one of the highest divorce rates in Europe." Professor Cooper said many companies demanded total commitment from their staff, but were then prepared to let people go when times got tough. "That is not a good psychological contract, the contract should be more two way. "However, UK PLC is getting better and better, and people are now actually listening. What we need now is action."