Paul has been recognised by the Queen with the award of an MBE for his contribution to international trade as well as his commitment to education.
The honour also recognises the significant contribution that Paul and Photocentric have made to help overcome the shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline health workers at the start of the Covid-19 health crisis. The business has manufactured and supplied 7.6 million items of protective gear for health workers in hospitals and health centres.
On hearing the news of Paul’s honour Heather McConnell, the Streets Partner who looks after Photocentric, said:
“It’s great to see the managing director of such an innovative Peterborough based company receiving this award. As a firm we really enjoy working with clients like Photocentric, being inspired by what they do and being able to provide them with a broad range of services to support them with their endeavours. We wish Paul and his team continued success.”
Commenting on receiving the award, Paul said: “I have accepted the award but I feel many other people deserve one more than me. I would prefer to receive future recognition for changing the way the world manufactures.”
Under his leadership and with his vision, Photocentric has grown from a fledgling business to a triple Queens Award-winning business employing 200 staff over the last 20 years. Pioneering the use of digital 3D printing to mass manufacture items in various sectors from eyecare, dentistry to footwear and automotive, Photocentric makes 50% of its turnover from international trade.
Year on year the business makes significant investment in research and development to ensure it is at the forefront of 3D printing, mass manufacturing and it is able to respond to market opportunities.
Paul is very much committed to Peterborough and the surrounding area being actively involved in the skills agenda and entrepreneurship, through his work as a Director with Peterborough Workspace and through investing and supporting the development of the innovation and research facility at the city’s new university.
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