Paul North wins Local Hero Award

Published 23rd Apr 2009

The Development Trust Association were seeking nominations from members for individual officers and councillors within local authorities who they feel have shown a positive example of working in partnership with their local development trust.
They know that building a relationship isn’t always easy and that many members have at times found building relationships with their local authorities particularly frustrating, however this is not always the case. There are many great partnerships out there which are often due to individual councillors or officers who have shown a great understanding of our movement and really supported the aims of their local trusts.
The NCA who are members of the DTA decided to nominate Paul North.
Paul has been our liaison with Bradford Council for a number of years. In that time he has always been available for advice and much needed guidance in dealing with the labyrinth that is local government. Early last year the Newlands Community Association set out to design and build a new Enterprise Centre. We were looking for some assistance in the build costs from the local council and Yorkshire Forward. Paul assisted us in planning and executing public meetings to promote our new build. He arranged meetings with senior department heads at the council to allow us a chance to pitch for assistance. More importantly he is enthused with our vision for a landmark green building in North Bradford. Paul has been involved at every stage of this project and is seen as an important member of our bank of “experts”. Thanks to Paul our project is now known to a large number of local stakeholders and decision makers. Without his commitment, support and enthusiasm for our vision we would not have been able to progress as far as we have. We look forward to continuing to work with Paul in our team as the project moves from the funding stage to the actual build.
The awards will be presented in London at an evening reception on 21 May following the DTA annual Policy Symposium.