A man who has brought new life to Folkestone was praised for his passion and energy at last night’s Kent Excellence in Business Awards.

Roger de Haan CBE DL was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community of Kent award at the ceremony, held at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone.

Twelve award-winning businesses and individuals also celebrated their success at the event, which is in its third year. It is run by Kent County Council and the KM Group.

Mr De Haan was recognised by the judges for the time, money and commitment he has invested in community initiatives, many for the good of his home town and the wider area, others for young people, disadvantaged, the elderly and the arts.

His name is synonymous with Folkestone- based SAGA, which was founded by his father in the town in 1951. Roger De Haan worked for the family business for 38 years, and broadened associations with the De Haan name to cultural regeneration, community investment and wider philanthropy.

The award recognizes his immense contribution towards making Folkestone a more rewarding place to live and work, and his efforts to address some of the problems of deprivation typical of many seaside towns.

He also set up the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, which supports the arts, amateur sport, education, health and welfare heritage, community projects, the environment and overseas trade.

One of the most noticeable impacts of the Trust is its work in Folkestone’s historic old town. The Trust is providing more than £40million to buy and renovate dilapidated buildings in the area, now designated the ‘Creative Quarter’.

The award was accepted on Mr De Haan’s behalf by Peter Bettley, who has worked alongside him for over 20 years. All winners were presented at the gala dinner with a specially created glass trophy, designed by renowned Kent glass artist Annie Ross.

Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said:

“Roger De Haan is an incredible individual, whose passion, energy and drive has made a big difference, not just to the economy, but to the wider Kent community.

“He really has achieved so much, with very little fanfare and when he came up against opposition he has remained true to his goal of making positive change happen. I can’t think of a more deserving winner for this year’s outstanding contribution award.”

Geraldine Allinson, Chairman of KM Group, said:
 

“Roger De Haan is so deserving of recognition for his tireless work in supporting business and communities in Kent. Often preferring to be ‘in the shadows”, I am glad that, through this award, we have been able to put his outstanding contribution under the spotlight for others to applaud."

KEiBA aims to recognise and reward excellence in Kent and Medway businesses of all sizes as well as individual awards. It’s hoped that the awards will also boost staff morale and help attract new staff. Winning an award will also help businesses raise their profile in Kent.