West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has had a change of personnel within its organisation.
The business support group that covers Bradford, Leeds and York & North Yorkshire sees a shift in its Board of Directors. Gerald Jennings has succeeded Stephen Wright as the group’s Chairman, with Andy Caton coming in as Vice-Chairman.
The changes happened at the organisation’s annual meeting in Bradford yesterday (Wednesday 13 September), when the Chamber’s annual report for 2016-17 was also tabled.
Gerald said of his appointment: “Whatever roles I take on, I try to make a real difference; and that applies in this instance, just like any other. We are changing the dynamics and therefore the perceptions of Chambers of Commerce, for example with younger people and more women involved in senior positions, and so are reaching out more. While this is more of a governance role than that of, for example, a Chamber president, I will still be heading up a team of vastly experienced people to help ensure our region’s businesses get the best possible support. I’m looking forward to the tasks ahead.”
Gerald will chair the Chamber’s board meetings and generally help steer the whole organisation forward. Outside of the chamber, Gerald is involved with numerous other businesses and organisations including Henry Boot, Social Communications, The Tetley and Ahead Partnership. He is also a governor at Leeds City College.
Mike Cartwright, Policy Executive for the Chamber, added after the event:
“Today’s meeting demonstrated that we have some of the region’s finest business people involved in steering the Chamber ship. They give their time voluntarily to help make our region a better place in which to do business, and we are very grateful for that. The meeting also highlighted that our organisation is financially robust, had a successful 2016-17 – demonstrated through our published annual report – and is looking forward to tackling the challenges that go with growing our economy and delivering on behalf of our businesses.”
A lunch followed the formal proceedings, at which David Cutter, Skipton Building Society’s Chief Executive, spoke. He covered three areas in his address: the housing market, the impact of the financial crisis and interest rates. Lack of supply was a key cause of a currently subdued market; the many regulatory changes to finance since the crash had improved things; and the long period of low rates was a double-edged sword with negative consequences aswell as positive ones. Questions from the floor included whether or not local authorities should be allowed to build more houses, and how technological changes are making life easier for customers. Asked what one major change should be included in the Autumn Budget, Mr Cutter called for the reduction of stamp duty.
The event took place at Bradford’s Midland Hotel.
Photo: (L-R) Andy Caton, Gerald Jennings, David Cutter
