The man behind one of the county’s most profilic housing development companies has won a major countywide honour.

Mark Quinn, chairman of Quinn Estates, has been presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent award in recognition of his “postive contribution” to the county over the last 25 years.

He picked up the gong at the Kent Invicta Chamber Awards 2024. The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce represents companies across the county.

Cllr Derek Murphy, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, who presented Mr Quinn with the award, said: “Developers can get a bad name but in the case of our winner, we have someone in Kent who deserves to be recognised for what he delivers for the county, not only in economic and regeneration terms but for what he has personally given back to our community.”

Mark Quinn said: “Winning this award is an incredible honour. It means a huge amount to be recognised by the fantastic business community in Kent, of which I’ve been proud to be part of for so many years.

“The work I do personally and in business genuinely starts with what I can give back, how as a business I can leave a positive legacy and a stronger local economy. That has always been my starting point and always will be.”

Among his achievements noted were his personal sponsorship of local clubs including Canterbury City Football Club, Wye Tennis Club and Sellinge Under 15s. He also personally contributed a significant sum to ensure the completion of the Herne Bay Sports Hub.

He also donates more than £350,000 each year to local community groups and contributes to community events from Canterbury Pride to the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

The funding and building a new Pilgrim’s Hospice was his way of thanking the hospice team for the care they showed his late mother.

Cllr Murphey concluded: “Mark Quinn is someone who deserves to be recognised for what he has personally contributed to the county over many years.”