Nick Abbott MBE FRICS builds more than structures—he builds futures. A distinguished figure in the built environment, his work has transformed skylines, but his true legacy is found in the tens of thousands of young lives he has uplifted, the communities he has strengthened, and the barriers he has broken down.
For over 35 years, Simon Fenton Partnership, under his leadership, has delivered projects that have shaped the North West and earned over 100 regional and national awards. The firm has become synonymous with resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people—ensuring that regeneration is not just about buildings, but about the lives they impact.
Salford remains at the heart of Nick Abbott MBE FRICS’s work. The city that shaped his own trajectory has never been left behind in his success. As Chairman of the Salford Foundation Trust, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that no child’s future is dictated by their circumstances. Through mentorship, financial support, and opportunity creation, his efforts have opened doors where none existed before—proving that social mobility is not an abstract concept, but something that must be actively built.
The fight for Salford Children’s Holiday Camp stands as a testament to his determination. Established in 1926, the camp has provided over 80,000 children with something many take for granted—a chance to see the seaside, to play, to breathe fresh air, and to experience childhood without the weight of hardship. Facing closure in 2014, the camp’s future seemed uncertain. Nick Abbott MBE FRICS led a relentless campaign, raising over £250,000, overseeing major refurbishments, and securing its long-term survival. Today, thousands of children continue to experience the joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories that shape a lifetime.
Philanthropy, for Nick Abbott MBE FRICS, is not about writing cheques—it is about rewriting futures. His work extends beyond individual projects, as he relentlessly champions equity, youth development, and community resilience. The young people who benefit from his initiatives leave not just with a one-time experience, but with the belief that they can aspire, achieve, and break through barriers once thought impenetrable.
His impact has been recognised at the highest levels. In 2021, he was awarded an MBE for services to young people and social inclusion in Salford. Yet awards and honours have never been the motivation. He is not a leader who remains in the boardroom—he is on the ground, driving real change.
Nick Abbott MBE FRICS has reshaped landscapes—not just with bricks and mortar, but with action, impact, and an unshakeable commitment to those who need it most. The skyline of Manchester may bear his influence, but his true mark is written in the lives that stand taller because of him.
About Frameworthy
Frameworthy is an uplifting and powerful exhibition series celebrating those making the greatest difference—changemakers—through art. Held throughout the UK and further afield in iconic arts-related and cultural venues, Frameworthy exhibitions and art shows are unique and inspiring occasions where changemakers from all backgrounds come together, mingling in front of art that honours them, alongside dignitaries, the press, and fellow changemakers.
Through powerful storytelling, breathtaking art, and unforgettable exhibitions, Frameworthy celebrates impact, community, and the beauty of cultural spaces. Each portrait is created at no cost to the changemaker, ensuring that those shaping our world are recognised in the timeless medium of art.
More than just an exhibition, Frameworthy is a joyful, diverse, and meaningful celebration—where changemakers, remarkable venues, and the communities they serve are honoured and uplifted.
Discover more about Frameworthy’s exhibitions and the people we celebrate here.
