Patrick Langmaid, the owner of Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park near Padstow and newly launched luxury self-catering complex Martha’s Orchard, has won this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ accolade.

According to Visit Cornwall Chief Executive Malcolm Bell, the award is a fitting tribute to a man who has championed the Real Living Wage, regularly fundraises for local good causes and provides free holidays for families in need through his One-4-All charitable initiative.

“Patrick always goes above and beyond in everything he does,”

he said.

“His holiday park is multi award-winning and newly-opened Martha’s Orchard in Constantine Bay has also set the self-catering accommodation bar very high.

Patrick isn’t just in the business of making money though – as his decision to donate all of this season’s visitor car parking charges to the National Trust’s campaign to conserve Trevose Head proves. He wants to do right by his staff, his visitors, the environment and those needing help and we should all applaud him for his genuine altruism. That’s why he more than deserves this award and why his is an example that more of us could, and arguably should, follow.”

Patrick took over the running of Mother Ivey’s Bay in 1996, having started his career as a chartered surveyor. With a Masters’ degree in Business Administration and a marketing diploma, he is passionate about the need to convince others of the need to pay staff the Real Living Wage.

“I’m shocked and humbled by this recognition from my peers but want to emphasise that praise should also go to my wife Margaret and the rest of our team, because it’s their support and commitment that makes everything possible,”

he said.

“Since this week is Living Wage Week and it’s just been announced that a Real Living Wage has just increased to £8.75 per hour, I also think this is a timely opportunity to bang the drum for paying fair wages. All our staff will earn at least £9 per hour for the 2018 season and I honestly believe that makes a big difference to retention and motivation. With all the employment challenges that Brexit is likely to bring, it’s never been more important to value employees and pay them well.”

Patrick was presented with his award by Malcolm Bell and double gold medal winning Olympic rower Helen Glover in front of more than 300 guests at The Headland hotel in Newquay.