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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">Richard Lee is a prominent figure within the competitive landscape of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom (KBB) retail.&nbsp;As the CEO of <a href="https://prmf.co.uk/">Paula Rosa Manhattan</a> (PRM), his journey through the industry’s various sectors has resulted in his adaptability and leadership. “My background has been in the sector pretty much all my working life,” Lee shares. “I worked through from sales into operations and then into senior management roles and C-Suite level roles.”With over two decades of experience, Lee’s career is a tapestry woven from diverse corporate backgrounds, ranging from public companies to private equity-owned firms. “I’ve worked in a cross-section of businesses with very different cultures,” he explains, highlighting his tenure in distressed businesses and mature companies seeking growth.Lee’s approach to leadership is shaped by his varied experiences. “I like to learn from all experiences,” he says. From the rigour and professionalism of PLCs to the agility of private equity, each has contributed to his strategic toolkit.Richard came into PRM to define the company’s strategy, instil a vision, and lead a turnaround. Despite financial challenges and the need for autonomy from its Swedish parent company, Lee has focused on fostering a culture of engagement and strategic growth. “We’ve worked hard on employee engagement,” he notes, emphasising the importance of communication and listening to build a team that shares a common purpose.Now, PRM is not just surviving but thriving, with financial metrics set to surpass expectations. It’s a milestone that reflects not only the company’s resilience but also Lee’s unwavering commitment to excellence. “Our ambition to grow and improve will not change,” Lee asserts, signalling a future as promising as the legacy he’s helping to build.Richard likens his initial experience with the company to steering a cumbersome vessel. “It felt a bit like trying to turn an oil tanker around,” he describes. The company’s processes, while thorough, were overly complex, hindering agility and progress. “A grading system in production meant that no one actually got upgraded. It was just too complex,” Lee recalls.When Richard came in the company confronted its siloed operations head-on. His remedy was to shift the focus from individual departmental success to the company’s collective achievement. “The measure of success wasn’t how your department was doing. The measure of success was how the company was doing,” he asserts.Lee’s background in turning around distressed businesses proved invaluable in addressing these challenges. He understands that resistance often stems from fear of the unknown rather than malice. Through a series of workshops with the executive team and subsequent levels of management, he worked to dismantle barriers and foster a culture of collaboration and mutual support. The result is a transformed environment where disruptive behaviour is met with understanding and resolution, aiming for win-win outcomes. “A Confluence of Tradition and InnovationRichard oversees a unique amalgamation of heritage and progress. The company, born from the merger of two distinguished kitchen manufacturers, has served the contracts market with distinction, resulting in strong foundations in the UK’s bustling construction sector.Under the aegis of Balance Love and the broader Stunner Group, PRM has maintained a low profile, focusing on quality rather than publicity. “We’ve taken a very quiet background role,” Lee admits. However, this reticence did not equate to stagnation. On the contrary, Lee’s strategic vision has propelled the company into a new era of social media engagement, with a commitment to regular postings.Looking at broader industry trends, Lee acknowledges the differences between the UK and Scandinavian markets, particularly in product preferences. “Shaker kitchens probably account for 50% of the UK market,” he points out, contrasting it with their sister company’s offerings in Scandinavia. Despite these differences, Paula Rosa Manhattan is adept at navigating the nuances of the market, from colour trends to working practices.Lee’s approach is one of learning and adaptation, seeking to harmonise the company’s practices with the best of European standards while maintaining its unique identity. “We can always learn from each other,” he concludes, encapsulating his philosophy of continuous improvement and cross-cultural collaboration. Richard’s Legacy at Paula Rosa ManhattanThe PRM CEO is not only steering the company towards a prosperous future but is also meticulously crafting a legacy that will endure. “I am already working on my succession plan,” Lee states. He is determined to ensure that the company’s success is not transient but becomes a permanent fixture in its culture.Lee’s blueprint for the company’s growth is ambitious yet straightforward: “2X5Y,” he calls it, aiming to double the size of the revenue in the next five years. This strategy focuses on financial growth and expanding the company’s horizons. “We recently launched a B2C operation,” he reveals, showcasing his initiative to leverage the company’s assets more effectively.The expansion is not limited to business operations; it extends to product offerings as well. “We have started a bedroom offer for our customers,” Lee says, indicating the company’s venture into new markets. This diversification is part of his vision to create a more agile and nimble business that remains true to its core values of quality and service.Ultimately, Richard’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the people of Paula Rosa Manhattan. His aspiration is to create a company that values its workforce as its greatest asset, fostering loyalty and a thirst for growth. “The loyalty and longevity of service is what’s going to carry this business through the next 3-4 five years of growth and beyond,” he concludes.</div>

Richard Lee, CEO of Paula Rosa Manhattan, is leading the KBB retail giant through a transformative era of strategic growth and cultural innovation. With over 20 years of diverse experience, Lee's vision for PRM is setting new industry standards, ensuring a legacy of excellence and resilience. 

Richard Lee: Steering Paula Rosa Manhattan to New Horizons

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">Financial Accountant Director <a href="https://www.accountantssolutions.net/about-me/">Christine Adedokun</a> has carved a niche for herself in the accountancy industry. Her journey, however, stems from an unyielding belief in one’s abilities.Her journey began in a grammar school where she struggled with algebra. “That is the main subject that I couldn’t grasp.” However, a turning point came when she sought help from a teacher during her time in Nigeria. “I actually called him and said I’m not following this subject, I don’t get anything and I think I need it for my future.” The teacher agreed to coach her, and she quickly grasped algebra, which led her to admire physics.Christine’s journey took her back to the UK, where she started a family. Wanting to further her education, she faced a crossroads. “My dad was telling me to follow different paths, but I wasn’t interested. I said I wanted to do business studies or anything business related.”She pursued business studies and then banking, but found it wasn’t for her. “I got into the banking classes, but there wasn’t much that I liked. I didn’t understand anything.” It was then that she discovered her passion for accountancy. “I discovered accountancy and thoroughly liked it because it followed up on what the other teacher taught me.” She changed courses, went into accountancy, and that marked the beginning of her journey.Christine’s journey was not without its challenges. She juggled her studies with work and raising a family. “I would go to work during the day, and at night I would go to college. And In between, I would be raising a family.” Christine persevered and found her calling in financial accounting. “That was the exciting plan for me. That’s what I liked the most, becoming a financial accountant.” She completed her courses and specialised in small to medium-sized organisations as a financial accountant.Overcoming Challenges and Empowering ClientsSome of the key challenges Christine has had to overcome have only served to strengthen her leadership. “The challenges that come to mind and I have overcome by the grace of God came during COVID. It was slow and difficult getting people to work for and to work with me. Even up to now to make sure that even though they’re working with me, they’re not pulling me down because I have to train them,” she shares. This dual role of working and training simultaneously has been a significant challenge for her.<a href="https://www.accountantssolutions.net/">Adedokun’s company, Accountants Solutions</a>, is geared towards helping people manage their wealth. “We do mostly what other accountancy firms do, but it’s a financial accountancy, so we are more geared to helping people with their wealth, keeping it, increasing it and contributing to wealth creation and wealth distribution as well. So we’re more geared toward making the money sing,” she explains.She acknowledges that many of her clients, particularly those from small to medium businesses, may be knowledgeable in their fields but lack financial knowledge. This gap can hinder growth as proper documentation and orderliness are crucial in today’s world. “If you're a small business, it’s a bonus. Try and get an accountant. If you want the accountant to do your records, that’s even better. If not, you can ask them to train you and what to do,” she advises. Engaging an accountant can enlighten business owners on how to increase their wealth and keep proper records, which is essential for growth.Leadership and LegacyChristine’s approach to leadership is rooted in empathy and connection. “People like to be pampered or loved. Being shown courtesy goes a long way. I try to do that to people because I’m a people person. I like people to at least give me something, so those are my motives and managerial skills, just being nice to people,” she shares. This simple act of kindness and the ability to connect with people ensures quality connections and fosters a positive work environment.Adedokun’s vision for her company is to carve out a niche in the market for accountancy solutions. “I believe by the grace of God it has, especially during COVID, reached the stage that we’re not advertising for clients and I think that it’s a very good position to be in. I would like to still continue to promote our work granted we have the capacity to cope with it,” she states. This vision reflects her commitment to sustainable growth and client satisfaction.In terms of services, Adedokun’s firm covers pensions and investments, especially capital venture investments. “If you invest in the capital venture you would be able to get that investment that you’ve made. The tax on it would not be taxed. For instance, if you put a certain amount in and that amount is coming off of the profit and loss which should have been taxed, it won’t be taxed. And when the profit that you gain by investing also when it comes back is not taxed. So there’s lots of things involved. This is just one example of how we contribute toward the wealth creation of our clients,” she explains. Adedokun’s leadership style, vision for her company, and commitment to client service paint a picture of a leader who is not only adept at navigating the complexities of finance but also deeply invested in the success of her clients.&nbsp;</div>

From overcoming academic challenges to carving out a niche in financial accounting, Christine Adedokun and her company, Accountants Solutions, offer specialised services to manage wealth and foster growth. Dive into her leadership philosophy rooted in empathy and connection, driving sustainable growth and client satisfaction. 

Christine Adedokun: A Journey from Algebra to Accountancy

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">From her early days as a teacher to her current role,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-cunliffe-93874b202?originalSubdomain=uk">Marie Cunliffe</a>, Director at Ever Evolving, has navigated numerous challenges and changes, always with an eye on growth and evolution.“I started as a teacher as soon as I finished university,” she recalls. After earning a BA Honours in Primary Education, she found herself pregnant with her daughter the same year. Despite this, she managed to secure a job, becoming the first in her graduating class to do so.Her first role was at an all-boys EBSD residential school in Congleton, where she served as the Maths and English lead. “They would bring boys out of the city and the countryside and we would teach them in a way that was wholesome and holistic to support their emotional needs,” she explains. After eight years, she ascended to the role of Assistant Head.Marie’s journey then took her back to her hometown of Saint Helens, where she worked at a special needs school called Mill Green. Over the next eight years, she rose to Middle Leadership and served as Careers Leader. It was during this time that she began to dream of setting up <a href="https://www.ever-evolving.org.uk/">‘Ever Evolving’</a>, having identified a gap in provision for adults and children.“The key challenges for me were setting everything up by myself and finding the right people with the same ethos, vision, and values,” she admits. Without a business coach or a sounding board, Marie relied on her passion and belief in her vision. “I believe that through my education background of being a teacher that I needed solid systems and procedures,” she says.From a Good Heart Comes Good CareSuch experiences though, have made Marie a leader who believes in the power of heart and vision. Her approach to leadership is rooted in her own experiences and values, and she has a unique perspective on what makes an ideal leader.“I was always keen on ensuring good compensation, but it’s also about their heart and their approach,” she explains. “We have our own training company. So if you come with the right personality and the caring nature, we can provide you with all the necessary training.”This recruitment approach involves potential staff volunteering for a few days. “We see if they gel as a team and how they fit with our dynamics. From a good heart, you get good care,” she says.Marie is equally committed to supporting her staff in their roles. “We have staff well-being sessions every Wednesday where I pay for therapists to come in and support staff,” she says. She also believes in the importance of work-life balance, allowing staff time off for important family events. Amidst this, Marie also does coaching and mentoring, asking staff to observe how she deals with certain behaviours and management strategies. Marie is evidently a hands-on leader, willing to lead by example. “I can still do the day-to-day tasks that a support worker would do,” she says. “I always call it being on the shop floor. You get a realistic view of what it’s like.”Now, her expertise is sought after, “we’re being outsourced. Others are asking us to train them,” she says. This includes working with a local netball team on inclusion, building a bespoke package for them so that they can be more inclusive as a sport for special needs children in the area.A Community PillarMarie is not just a leader within her company, but also a pillar in her community. Her vision for Ever Evolving extends into the heart of the community it serves. “We do lots of things for charity and the community, like bags for the homeless and voluntary work,” Marie explains. The company’s focus is on happiness and inclusion, being part of the community, and collaborating with parents and families for the best outcomes for their service users. “We provide inclusion at its finest,” she says. “This means adults and children with additional needs living their best lives.” The company offers a range of activities, from adaptive boxing to mixed martial arts, tennis, gym, and swimming. “We’ll adapt it, we’ll differentiate it. We’ll use our skills, talents and resources to ensure that the barriers are brought down.”Marie’s role at Ever Evolving has also allowed her to be part of the Community Action group, working with Merseyside Police to collect data and look at what’s going on in the area. She is also a chairperson on the steering committee working with the charity called Right to Succeed, focusing on her area of Saint Helens.“Being in this position has allowed me to support the community even further,” she says. Ever Evolving has won a host of awards since it opened, including Equality and Diversity in 2001, Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022, and Scale Up Business of the Year last year. “We’ve won an award every year that we’ve been open,” Marie rounds off.Marie’s commitment to her community is clear. “I am very proud to be from Saint Helens and if I can do anything to support that, I will,” she says. “Being part of this project is a privilege for me. I’ve pledged my time to that project now and I will give 100% to help steer it in the direction that Right to Succeed wants to steer it in.”Alongside her communal efforts, the Ever Evolving Director also has a clear vision for policy makers. Her advice is rooted in her experience and the realities she sees every day in her work.“Collaboration is key,” she says. “I have ideas that I would like to discuss further with the local authority about having a collaborative social care hub in the future.” She believes that by streamlining services and setting up robust policies and procedures, support could be given in a more cost-efficient and effective way.Marie’s vision includes a hub in Saint Helens where people can come along, chat, get the help they need, and be directed in the right direction. “The numbers are only going to increase in the future,” she warns.Her second piece of advice for policy makers is to be proactive rather than reactive. “We need to have a plan,” she says. “These plans don’t happen overnight. Informing the community of where the plan is going and not keeping it in house is key,” she adds.When she talks about community collaboration and being a successful leader, she speaks from experience. “I know because I’m part of it,” she says. She is prepared to have those conversations with people and say what level of support is needed and what needs to be done.A Legacy in the MakingMarie’s long term goals are as ambitious as they are compassionate. She sees herself not just effecting change in her town, but also expanding her influence to a broader scale. “I want to do things on a large scale,” she says, indicating her plans to work with Salford University and other institutions.She believes in the power of education and the synergy between business acumen and a caring heart. “You can have a heart and you can have a successful business,” she asserts. Her future plans involve being part of bigger projects and possibly even franchising across the Northwest and the country.Marie is confident in the policies and procedures she has set up, seeing them as a blueprint for success that can be replicated to improve outcomes for more people with additional needs. But her ambitions don’t stop there. Marie even contemplates a foray into politics, recognising the potential to effect change on a larger scale. “Somebody having a real understanding of what’s needed and also the academic prowess to put that in action is vital,” she says.Reflecting on her journey so far, Marie is proud of what she has achieved. From starting with three service users in April 2021, she now has late service users and employs 35 staff. “That just shows the growth,” she says. “I can’t believe I’m here with that.”</div>

Marie Cunliffe, Director of Ever Evolving, has a leadership style rooted in heart and vision. Explore Ever Evolving's commitment to the Saint Helen community, offering inclusive services and winning accolades for their dedication. With a vision for collaborative social care and expansion, Marie's legacy extends beyond business, aiming to effect positive change on a larger scale. 

Marie Cunliffe: Mastering Growth, Inclusion, and Community Efforts

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">Lee Bovell, Manager at <a href="https://www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/">Elysium Care</a>, has a career marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of healthcare management, encapsulates a tale of commitment to service and personal growth.“It all started with Lycium,” Lee recalls, reflecting on the early days before the merger that would bring his journey under the Elysium Healthcare umbrella. “Back then, our company was a private entity known as London Care Partnership. I joined as a support worker, eager to make a difference.”His dedication did not go unnoticed, and soon, Lee found himself climbing the ladder and transitioning to leadership, “I was promoted to a senior team leader, and in April 2019, I took on the role of home manager at London Care Partnership.”The end of 2019 brought significant change as Elysium acquired London Care Partnership. Despite the transition, Lee continued to work at the same service, now as a registered home manager, a position he holds to this day.Lee’s current role involves overseeing a residential care home for nine service users with diverse needs, including learning disabilities, autism, and Down's Syndrome. “They are young adults, aged between 25 and 30,” he notes, emphasising the importance of tailored care.With over 20 staff members, including three seniors and a deputy manager, Lee ensures that both service users and staff are well looked after. “Running the service means making sure everything operates smoothly, from the well-being of our residents to the management of the house itself.”Reflecting on his skillset, Lee acknowledges the growth he’s experienced, “I completed my level 5 in healthcare while managing the service. Before that, I didn’t have any formal management qualifications.” His previous role as a housing officer provided him with valuable experience in supporting residents and managing various aspects of their lives, from well-being to domestic issues.Overcoming Challenges and Fostering CommunityLee’s tenure as Manager has not been without its challenges, particularly during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. “The real challenge for me was during the pandemic,” Lee shares. “Ensuring that we were following the guidance, while making sure that the staff were heard and listened to, was very challenging.”The pandemic tested Lee’s management skills and emotional intelligence. He had to balance the safety protocols with the concerns and opinions of his staff regarding vaccinations and PPE. “It put me in an environment where I had to reflect on my own morals,” he admits. But through the hardship, Lee believes these experiences have enhanced his leadership skills. “It’s something that has made me stronger,” he asserts. Beyond the walls of the care home, Lee emphasises the importance of community involvement and awareness. “Ensuring that the service users are amongst the community and involved in community activities is very important to me,” he says. Lee has witnessed a positive shift in public perception over the years, attributing it to increased visibility and understanding of individuals with learning disabilities as a result of initiatives at Elysium. From attending college to gaining work experience at places like Sainsbury’s, the residents are actively participating in society. “It’s not just about coming to work and being paid,” Lee explains. “We are looking after individuals that we want to provide the best possible future outcome for.”Challenges in the Care Sector: A Reflection by Lee BovellLee also speaks candidly about the undervaluation of the care sector. “It’s overlooked,” he states, expressing a sentiment that many in the sector feel but often goes unheard. The COVID-19 pandemic brought these issues into sharp relief, especially when deadlines for vaccinations led to job losses, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability.“The health sector is treated as if it’s disposable,” Lee remarks, reflecting on the disparity between the NHS’s response to vaccination deadlines and the situation in the care sector. This perception, he believes, is mirrored in the pay and funding levels, which do not reflect the true worth of the staff’s contributions.Lee points out that despite the high level of responsibility, care workers are often paid less than those in less demanding jobs. “The recruitment side of things has dropped immensely,” he notes, acknowledging the challenge of attracting quality staff when the remuneration does not match the responsibility.The community’s expectations for quality care for their family members add another layer of complexity. Lee feels strongly that the government needs to reevaluate its funding and resource allocation to the sector. “These are things that definitely need to be focused on more by our current government,” he concludes, hoping for a future where the care sector is given the appreciation and support it deserves.The Heart of LeadershipIn the care sector, the essence of leadership transcends mere managerial duties; it’s about genuine concern and dedication. With over five years at the helm of Elysium Care, Lee believes that “you have to care.” This principle is the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.“It’s not just a start at 9, lock off at 5,” Lee explains. “It’s a 24-hour commitment.” His pride in his work is palpable, and he sees the rewards not in monetary terms but in personal fulfilment and pride. For Lee, caring for both the staff and service users is paramount, ensuring that families are involved and informed, which he deems crucial for the service’s success.Lee’s journey from a support worker to a manager displays his belief that care must be at the core of leadership. “It first begins from the heart,” he says, emphasising that all other aspects, such as auditing and meetings, fall into place when you truly care.His advice to aspiring leaders in the sector is heartfelt: “You need to be on that ship. You need to care.” Lee’s narrative is a powerful reminder that in the care sector, the best leaders are those who navigate with compassion and commitment, making sure that everyone on board feels valued and supported.</div>

Lee Bovell, the dedicated healthcare manager at Elysium Care, climbed from support worker to home manager and exemplifying leadership and commitment in the face of challenges. Learn about his approach to inclusive care and community involvement.

Lee Bovell: A Journey of Care and Management

Nerys Hughes is an Advanced Practitioner Paediatric Occupational Therapist and founder and clinical director of Whole Child Therapy, a multi-disciplinary children's therapy clinic taking a holistic approach to a child's needs.Nerys runs Whole Child Therapy as a social enterprise, working directly with families and their children and taking on any child with therapeutic needs despite the family’s financial status.

In Conversation: Nerys Hughes

Nerys Hughes

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Speaking on The Leaders Council Podcast, occupational therapist Nerys Hughes, founder of children’s therapy clinic Whole Child Therapy, shares the compelling story of how she overcame her limitations to lead her own social enterprise and of her mission today to encourage the next generation to believe that they too can fulfil their aspirations and dreams in spite of setbacks that they cannot control.

Nerys Hughes

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Overcoming me: Nerys Hughes looks back at how she conquered dyslexia and dyspraxia to become a children’s therapist with her own clinic

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Richard Lee: Steering Paula Rosa Manhattan to New Horizons

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