Nick Lee, managing director of Bristol-based legal costs specialists Paragon Costs Solutions, has joined the board of trustees at West of England community foundation Quartet.
Nick, who is also the immediate past president of Bristol Law Society (BLS), will use his extensive experience in business development and connections with local organisations to support Quartet’s philanthropy & marketing committee.
The not-for-profit organisation inspires local philanthropy to give everyone in the West of England a fair chance of a good life.
Its chief executive Sue Turner said: “I’m delighted that Nick has agreed to join us. He was raised and educated in Bristol, knows the area well and will no doubt inspire many across the region to succeed in their chosen arena.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him this year as we embark on our community consultation on our strategy for 2021-25, to ensure Quartet Community Foundation remains of and for our communities for years to come.
“We’re really grateful for Nick’s support, and for the time, energy and commitment of all our trustees and volunteers.”
Quartet awarded more than £3.5m last year to help local causes across the West of England. Each year it conducts research and produces its ‘Vital Signs’ report to identify areas in most need of the charity’s support.
Last year the report found the greatest need for investment was in relation to services for children and young people but it also revealed worrying trends relating to increases in anti-social behaviour, hate crime, homelessness and the number of people affected by mental and poor health.
During Nick’s tenure as BLS president it chose the Bristol Children’s Help Society as its charity of the year. BLS members also supported Feeding Bristol – a charity focused on increasing food security throughout the city – to help deliver meals to the most deprived children in Bristol.
Nick said: “Quartet Community Foundation is a fantastic organisation with clear objectives and a great structure. Having met Sue, chair of trustees Helen Wilde and their teams, I am thrilled to be joining this fantastic team and excited to support an organisation whose aim is to make the local community better for everyone.”
Nick co-founded Paragon in 2011 with just one client. Today it advises national and international clients, Top 100 law firms, small-and-medium-sized high street law practices, international banks and insurance companies.
Quartet has distributed more than £50m to good causes across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire since it was formed in 1987.
em>Pictured: Nick Lee with Quartet Community Foundation chief executive Sue Turner
