West & North Yorkshire Chamber has made a number of changes to its Board of Directors. The group includes Bradford Chamber, Leeds Chamber and York & North Yorkshire Chamber.
Stephen Wright of Thorite, Past President of Bradford Chamber, takes over as Chairman and Andrew Lindsay of Lupton Fawcett, who led the Chamber during its merger last year, stands down.
Graham Cooper of Agfa Graphics, and a key figure in establishing the Universal Technical College (UTC) in Leeds which opens next September, has been appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Also joining the Board is York & North Yorkshire Chamber’s new Chamber President Ed Everard of Saville Audio Visual. His deputy and Vice President is now Bridget Meynell of Minster FM. New Board members also include Paula Dillon of Bond Dickinson and Nick Garthwaite of Christeyns who take on vice-presidency roles in Leeds and Bradford respectively.
The AGM also premiered the Chamber’s new animation film outlining achievement in the last 12 months which can be viewed here. Key landmarks included: a value of goods declared on international documents at £22.5billion, attendance of over 7,000 delegates to Chamber events, 405 individuals helped to start a new business, 3,600 businesses supported through Chamber services (such as the legal helpline), 80 businesses housed in Chamber property and £5.6 million loaned to business by the Business Enterprise Fund. This comes in addition to 4,000 young people helped to engage with business in the year.
Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, Sandy Needham commented: “It’s important that the board represents a diverse range of member businesses across the region to help determine the direction of the Chamber group. Our mission continues to be to support, connect and represent our members. I’m looking forward to working with the new board to establish a growth strategy for the Chamber.”
(Pic: L-R: Chairman Stephen Wright with Chamber chief, Sandy Needham)
