The Cornwall Marine Network Group is extremely proud to announce that CEO, Paul Wickes MBE, has been selected in the UK’s top 50 for leadership skills.
The Kindness & Leadership award is part of the 50 Leading Lights UK Campaign – sponsored by Britvic Plc and delivered in association with KPMG – which places a spotlight on UK leaders who are using the power of kindness to make a massive impact in business and to empower change.
The 2023/24 list spans individuals from different industries across the UK that are positively contributing to the businesses, economy, and broader society.
Paul’s place on the list rightly acknowledges a senior management career spanning 38 years and with Paul joining Cornwall Marine Network in 2005, becoming CEO in 2008, he has since led the business through significant uncertainty to a place of growth and ongoing sustainability. The CMN Group is now hugely respected for its significant achievements, which include creating 4,600 jobs in Cornwall, winning and investing £42 million of funds into Cornwall’s marine businesses, and CMN’s efforts supporting member businesses have added more than £600 million of value (GVA) to the Cornish economy.
Paul embodies kindness principles in his management skills, always leading by example, and has developed a team at CMN that is based on mutual respect, with a no-blame culture that empowers creativity and success amongst the team members.
Lucy Harris, CMN Operations Director, stated: “All the team at CMN has their own story about how Paul has helped them further their careers. In my own case, Paul had a vision when it came to employing me; after I was mistreated by my previous employer, he told me he could rebuild my confidence, help me to learn new skills, progress and transform my career. He gave me kindness and support at a point of crisis. 13 years later, 4 promotions and a raft of new skills/experiences, I am a CMN Director, managing a large team and leading by the same example as I have been inspired to by Paul.”
Brendan Rowe, Owner, Seawide Services, a long-standing member of CMN was delighted to be part of the nomination for this award and remarked: “Paul is consistent in his kindness both with his work and personal life, especially the efforts he contributes to his supported charities, always aiming to raise funds for very worthy causes – but he also has a lot of fun, empowering others to join in and enjoy his life-journey”.
Paul Wickes commented, “to gain any recognition, especially at national UK level is very humbling, so I am very grateful to my nominees and to KPMG for the recognition. At CMN we are a team and any success reflects the outstanding efforts of each and every CMN team member. As a business support organisation we are in the people business, employing outstandingly talented people to deliver high standards of customer service to our valued members across the Cornwall marine sector. Without our people we have no business, they are our most important asset, so it makes good business sense to look after each of them”.
