To have provided the stunning backdrop the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2021 would have left most venue managers proud and happy – but there was plenty more to celebrate for Ray Payne when he picked up the Businessman of the Year Award on his home turf.
More than 400 guests gathered at The County Ground, home to Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, in November for the awards ceremony. Chief Executive Ray Payne, whose arrival heralded a new era for the club, which, under his leadership, has thrived as a business ever since.
Ray has led a transformational programme of change at the club off the field, bringing a new stability and profitability by finding a new source of revenue through marketing the building assets for a wide range of functions, including the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards and the Northamptonshire Education Awards on consecutive evenings.
In their comments, the judges spoke about how Ray had ‘strengthened the community spirit and focus of the organisation’.
During his tenure, the objectives of the cricket club being to establish itself as a hub in the Northamptonshire business community – something that, while already challenging, has had to also withstand the challenges that the pandemic created for professional sport and events venues. The club, however has continued to thrive, off the pitch and on it, demonstrated by the club’s promotion to Division One of the County Championship.
Ray said: “I see my role as the current custodian of Northamptonshire Cricket, a club with over a hundred years of heritage and achievements. It is within my role as Chief Executive to lead the club into new chapters of success, growth and in many instances social and community good.
“It was an absolute honour to be recognised at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards as Businessman of the Year, but recognition and thanks go to the whole workforce, playing staff and non-playing staff at the club.
“It has been made possible with a clear vision from a supportive non-executive board of business professionals and, last but not least, the support of the Northampton business community and the club’s supporters.
“I am delighted to have received the award, and thoroughly excited to start 2022 with the optimism a new season brings and look forward to welcoming crowds and business back to The County Ground.”
Find out more about Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and the facilities at The County Ground at www.nccc.co.uk
