AN inspirational businessman from Raglan has been announced as one of Wales' top leaders at the high-profile Leading Wales Awards 2007. Mel Knight, Executive Chairman of Cardiff-based Castleoak Care Partnerships, was recognised for his outstanding leadership in the 'businesses with less than 250 employees' category sponsored by Business in Focus, beating off strong competition from three other finalists. The Leading Wales Awards recognise great leadership at all levels across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Wales, celebrating individuals whose excellent leadership skills have made a strong impact and resulted in positive change within their organisations. Following the awards ceremony at Cardiff's Hilton Hotel, Mel said: "Making Castleoak a great place to work has been a driving force for me and so it's very encouraging to win an award like this because it feels like an endorsement of what I think really matters. "Although mine is the name on the plaque, I would like to pay tribute to my fellow directors, all of whom play a vitally important part in steering the company - in particular, my brother Colwyn, who established the company with me and our father 23 years ago and who is now our managing director." Since joining family run business Castleoak in 1990, Mel has led the company to its current position of pre-eminence in a specialized market which provides social care for older people. In the past four years under his leadership, the company has increased staff from 31 to 85 and turnover from £14m to £45m. Mel's commitment to the pursuit of excellence and the fulfilment of individual potential has meant that turnover of staff is very low. Earlier this week Castleoak was awarded three stars in the prestigious Best Companies accreditation and in 2005 the company was ranked the best small company to work for in Wales and the 4th best in the UK according to the Sunday Times 100 Best SME Companies to Work For. "Mel is a tremendous example of the impact of inspirational leadership skills on a growing organisation" said Barbara Chidgey, spokesperson for the Leading Wales Awards, the consortium of public and private sector organisations that develop and organise the awards. "He has demonstrated a number of key attributes behind a successful leader, including sound thinking, great determination, willingness to share rewards and genuine sense of social responsibility, which have inspired his staff and undoubtedly impacted positively on moving the business forward." Castleoak Care Partnerships has designed and constructed more than 6,000 bed spaces in purpose built accommodation throughout the UK It also designs and builds other forms of supported housing accommodation for older people, including extra care, close care and care villages It has won a number of industry awards including a Healthcare Design Award in 2006 It is an accredited Investor in People and was awarded a three star Best Companies accreditation in 2007 The company has a very strong sense of corporate social responsibility and its Community Support Programme received a special award from The Sunday Times in 2005 The company employs 90 staff and works for many of the leading names in the social care sector including Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, the Anchor Trust and The Orders of St John Care Trust
