Mark Norton, managing director of Prima Bakeries Group, has passed away at the age of 60.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Mark Norton following a brief illness,” said the company.
“Mark was a devoted husband to Lynne and a proud father to Emma and Sam, as well as a well-respected figure in the business community of Cornwall and beyond. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
Norton guided significant growth of the family-run business over the past 14 years. This included through acquisitions of St Columb-based Cornish Premier Pasties in 2020 and biscuit brand Furniss of Cornwall, which is also located in Redruth, just a few months ago.
Most recent accounts filed to Companies House for the year ended 31 August 2023 reported that sales at Prima “have broken through the £12m level”, representing growth of 17.8% versus the prior financial period. A pre-tax profit of £1.3m was achieved in FY23.
Last year, Norton oversaw an investment of £135,000 to install 320 solar panels on the bakery roof of Cornish Premier Pasties, which is one of the biggest pastry producers in the county. As well as a sustainability commitment, Norton was also keen to create to a long-term succession plan for the Prima Bakeries Group, announcing a transition to an employee-owned business model earlier this year. “We have always been proud of being a family-owned and run Cornish business and this feels a great way of extending the ‘family’ to include all our staff,” commented Norton at the time.
Prima said the company will continue under the existing dedicated management team, with details of a memorial for Norton to be released at a later date.
No comments yet