As a boy growing up in County Durham, Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes, saw at first-hand the social challenges faced by a North East mining community having to reinvent itself as its traditional way of life disappeared.
This is the story for many business leaders across the North East and the examples of those who have diversified their skills and approaches in order to adapt to ongoing change are endless.
It’s a trait that has put the North East business community on the map and with around 32,000 homes across the region and Yorkshire, Karbon Homes is proud of its North East roots.
As chief executive of Karbon Homes, one of the region’s largest housing associations, Paul Fiddaman is leading an organisation perfectly placed to have a major impact on the region’s future.
Balancing a sound business head with a strong social heart, Paul, who has been named Business Person of the Year for Northumberland and Tyneside and is shortlisted for North East Business Person of the Year, is pushing Karbon forward as both a successful business and an organisation with a fierce social purpose, helping people and places across the North East to thrive.
Paul said: “I remember when I first joined the housing sector and I heard someone say ‘We are about people and housing – in that order’. That struck me as a sound philosophy and it’s one I still follow.
“Whether its customers, employees, or suppliers and partners, a people-first approach is key in elevating a business from being good to excellent, and as a region we have a whole host of businesses and business leaders who also follow this philosophy and prioritise engaged, happy people and meaningful investment in local communities.”
For this reason, Karbon is proud to be sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution award at this year’s . The award commends an immense sustained contribution to business, society and the community across a number of years.
Paul added: “One of the North East business community’s greatest strengths is its commitment to building up the region and making the North East a fantastic place to live and work.
“Consistently coming together with optimism and drive to reimagine the future of the economy and work together to make positive change, it’s a pleasure to be part of a community that, despite ongoing challenges, remains proud and committed to its region’s success.”
Under Paul’s leadership, Karbon Homes has three key objectives: to provide as many high-quality homes as possible, deliver outstanding customer service and invest in making communities great places to live.
The association is driving forward on each objective, achieving consistent growth whilst staying true to its values and its overall mission to build strong foundations for even more people.
For more information about Karbon Homes, visit
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