Remembering Sir Paul Nicholson, President of Point North
Message from our Board of Trustees
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our President, Sir Paul Nicholson. Sir Paul sadly passed on Friday 17 January 2025, at the age of 86.
Sir Paul, alongside his predecessor as Lord Lieutenant, David Grant, co-founded Point North in 1995. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in our mission to fight poverty and enrich lives across County Durham and the wider North East.
As a dedicated President and figurehead for Point North, Sir Paul exemplified the very best of public service. He was a former High Sheriff of Durham and served as Lord Lieutenant of County Durham from 1997 to 2013, where he worked tirelessly to foster collaboration and uplift our communities. He was a champion of progress, bringing together people and organisations from the public and private sectors to make a difference.
Sir Paul was a respected leader across the North East, serving as Chairman of the Vaux Group for over 20 years, Chairman of the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation, and holding numerous other influential roles. In recognition of his services to industry and the public in North East England, Sir Paul was knighted in 1993 and appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 2011.
While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the difference his life’s work has made. His spirit will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his vision for a better today and a brighter tomorrow.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Lady Nicholson, his daughter and family during this difficult time. Sir Paul will be dearly missed, but his legacy will forever remain at the heart of Point North’s mission.
