MARK NORTON OBITUARY
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Mark Norton obituary: Managing Director of Prima Bakeries Group
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Norton, a beloved husband, father, and inspirational leader, who passed away peacefully on 26th November 2024 at the age of 60, following a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in September 2024.
Mark was best known as the Managing Director and owner of the Prima Bakeries Group, where his passion and dedication to excellence saw the Group, including Prima Bakeries and Cornish Premier Pasties, become the fourth-largest Cornish pasty manufacturer in the world and the largest locally owned in Cornwall.
Mark was born and raised in Kettering before moving to Plymouth to attend Marjon University, graduating with a degree in History and Geography. He held various roles within the business world including with Safeway, Bishop Fleming and Business Link. He also wrote and published his own walking books focused on paths around his adopted county of Cornwall and further afield. Whilst working as a business consultant, Mark and his family moved to France in 2004 to give his children, Emma and Sam, a change of lifestyle. After working with a bakery in his role as a business advisor, Mark got the baking bug and purchased Prima Bakeries in August 2010.
Mark’s relentless drive and innovative vision saw Prima Bakeries grow tenfold since he acquired the business, with turnover increasing from £370,000 to £3.7 million and staff numbers expanding from 19 to 90. In 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark acquired Cornish Premier Pasties, a competitor 30% larger than Prima Bakeries. Through his exceptional leadership, he not only steered the company through uncertain times but also grew its sales by 55%, repaying the acquisition loan years ahead of schedule. His achievements were celebrated when Cornish Premier Pasties earned Gold and Silver in the Traditional Cornish Pasty category at the World Pasty Championships in 2022. His active involvement in the Cornish Pasty Association saw him serve as Finance Officer to advocate for the iconic product’s authenticity. He led Prima Bakeries and Cornish Premier Pasties to award-winning heights, including a clean sweep of Business Person of the Year, SME of the Year and Overall Business of the Year at the Western Morning News Business Awards in 2022.
In February 2024, Mark led the transition of the Prima Bakeries Group to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). To Mark, the move was a dedication to his staff to ensure job security, guarantee that the business remained a Cornish company, and as a thank you to those who worked so hard alongside him to build the successful business it is today. In September of this year, Mark led the purchase of Cornish biscuit maker Furniss of Cornwall, bringing another iconic Cornish food brand under the wing of the Group, with all 30 staff joining Prima’s EOT.
Mark’s leadership extended beyond business success. He was always keen to support start-up businesses and had a clear passion for helping people as much as he could. His commitment to staff wellbeing was evident in Prima’s low staff turnover numbers and high morale across the companies.
Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit was matched by his devotion to his family. Alongside his wife, Lynne, he built a legacy rooted in passion and hard work. Their children, Emma and Sam, proudly followed in their father’s footsteps, working their way up through Prima Bakeries to senior management roles. He was incredibly proud of his children who both mirrored their father’s achievements by being named in Cornwall’s 30 under 30 in separate years.
Away from work, Mark’s love for travel and classic cars always brought a smile to his face. With his wife Lynne, they visited Texas for Mark’s 60th birthday this year for the occasion of the total eclipse, a lifelong dream for Mark to witness. Other favourite destinations included the Caribbean, Greece and the Canary Islands.
Mark will be remembered not only for his business acumen but also for his generosity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his team, community, friends and family. His remarkable journey has left a deep-rooted impression on the Cornish business community and the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.
Mark’s passing leaves behind his loving wife Lynne, children Emma and Sam, and many cherished friends, colleagues, and extended family members. Mark’s legacy will live on through his family, his businesses, and the countless people whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Thursday 19th December at Treswithian Downs Crematorium in Camborne. Donations for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of Mark can be made here: https://mark-norton1.muchloved.com/
Mark Norton was born on April 11th,1964. Following a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in September 2024, he passed in his sleep surrounded by his family on November 26, 2024.
