Born in Yorkshire in the 1970s, Paul Hugill spent formative years in Zambia and apartheid-era South Africa, where he witnessed both the harsh cruelty of division and the boundless kindness of community. These early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to inclusivity and personal growth-for himself and others.A passionate entrepreneur, Paul championed workplace inclusivity from an early age, employing people with learning challenges and forging lifelong friendships along the way. His dedication to hospitality, cultivated since the age of 15, culminated in the award-winning Priory. There, he proved that businesses thrive when they recognize the overlooked potential in people. Under his leadership, The Priory became the number one ranked hotel and restaurant in the area.When COVID struck in 2020, Paul placed practical kindness at the heart of a community kitchen, providing over 100,000 free meals to those in need. In 2024, drawing on his own experiences as an anxious child, he introduced MAX-the central character of The Amazing Adventures of An Anxious Child, a story designed to help young readers embrace life's adventures while navigating anxiety.Paul's remarkable contributions earned him an MBE for his outstanding service to people with learning disabilities. Whether leading workshops, launching initiatives, cooking for the well-heeled, or sharing a meal with someone in need, Paul's life is a testament to the power of integrity, compassion, and courageous vision to redefine both personal and professional paths.
