Paul Roberts is CEO of the Ashton Community Trust in Belfast.

Born and brought up in North Belfast Paul and his nine siblings grew up during the Troubles in an area that suffered one of the highest levels of violence of anywhere in Northern Ireland. It includes many areas synonymous with the conflict – the New Lodge, Ardoyne, Rathcoole, Ballysillan and Woodvale.

In the 25 years he has been at the helm the Trust has grown from a small community business into a highly successful regeneration social enterprise. It employs over 250 people and turns over more than £7 million. Ashton is involved in a wide range of community service delivery focusing on childcare, employability, mental health, community development, youth services, arts, Fablab and the North Belfast Lantern Festival. A large percentage of its employees are from the 20 most deprived areas of Belfast.

In 2017 Paul won the prestigious NI Third sector Inspiring Leader Award organised by CO3.