FEATURE
Paul Fleetwood: An Outstanding Contribution
In the second of our features from the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), we find out more about Paul Fleetwood, who took home the CHSA Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution.
Paul’s journey into the cleaning and hygiene sector began thanks to an unlikely connection through cycling. He met James Lee, founder of Cromwell Polythene, through the sport and still laughs about the job interview. Paul joked: “He asked me why I wanted to work for him because he thought I could get a proper job.”
The job quickly evolved into a determination to take the industry forward. Paul added: “It became clear the industry needed a body to champion quality and consistency and by doing so, drive forward standards. The CHSA took up the mantle, and I was proud to play my part. We’ve changed the industry. The CHSA and our members are now the standard bearers for standards in an industry in which too many have cut corners.
The CHSA Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution is designed to recognise the individual who has gone above and beyond, who has made a significant impact on the cleaning and hygiene industry. Paul Fleetwood of Cromwell Polythene is that person.
Paul’s reaction embodied his straightforward approach. He said: “I was very happy, surprised and appreciative.”
Formal recognition for Paul in these inaugural CHSA Excellence Awards is perhaps overdue. Over decades he has played a huge role in first helping establish and then evolve the Accreditation Scheme for Manufacturers of Plastic Sacks. He was instrumental in shaping standards in the industry, making sure the Scheme has stayed relevant and today reflects modern manufacturing. As such, it supports members’ business growth by offering customers complete confidence in the product, differentiating members from those who make spurious and exaggerated product claims and adding credibility to members’ brands.
Paul has been on the CHSA’s Governing Council since April 2009 and is as big an advocate today as ever, recognising the competitive advantage a strong and active CHSA brings its members.
“As more companies have seen the difference our standards have made to buyers – reducing purchasing risk by guaranteeing quality – they’ve stepped forward to join the CHSA. Being a part of introducing this transparency which has transformed the market has been a privilege. Today, customers have a far better understanding of the products they’re buying and the value they deliver. When customers talk to me about the minimum net box weight, I know we’ve made a difference. It’s become part of our vocabulary.”
Lasting change, according to Paul, is rarely achieved through one dramatic moment. Instead, it’s built moment by moment. Paul continued: “There is real power in the everyday conversations I have explaining the CHSA standard and what it represents. This is as true within the business, where every team member understands the relevance of the CHSA Accreditation Scheme, as it is to our customers, who recognise it reduces their purchasing risk.”
Away from work, Paul describes himself as a proud MAMIL – a Middle-Aged Man In Lycra. It’s a reminder that beneath the respected industry figure is someone who still loves cycling.
Looking to the future, Paul hopes people will see in this award not simply that he’s contributed to the industry he loves, but that he’s done so with energy, care and a determination to do the right thing. His advice for the next generation of industry leaders is: “Get to know your competitors personally. You can learn a great deal from them and the connection brings strength and enjoyment. We’re also much more effective when we work together to drive up standards.”
Above all, Paul hopes people see what lies behind the award citation: a family man who genuinely loves the industry, values the people in it and has spent his career helping to make it stronger for everyone.
Award collected on Paul’s behalf by a colleague.
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