Bradford’s business community has a new leader.
Nick Garthwaite is the new president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce. Nick, the managing director of Christeyns, was unanimously elected at the Chamber’s annual meeting today (Tuesday 18 July). He succeeds Andy Caton, who has held the post for the last two years.
Nick has already been involved with the Chamber’s policy development and lobbying activities for several years, and says he is looking forward to supporting local firms and helping to make Bradford an even better place in which to do business. He will now chair regular policy development meetings of the Chamber, represent the local business community at external meetings, and act as general business ambassador for the wider District. Nick will be supported in his role by the new incoming vice-president, Suzanne Watson. The head of Approach PR was also elected at the Chamber annual meeting.
Nick said of his appointment:
“I’m delighted to have been elected to head up Bradford Chamber for the next two years. Andy has been a wonderful ambassador for Bradford, so I’ve got big boots to fill; but these are both exciting and challenging times for Bradford and the wider region of West & North Yorkshire, which our organisation represents, and I’m up for the job. We’ve already carried out a scoping exercise among our key policy group to look at what we need to focus on in months and years to come; but I’m also keen on hearing from other members on what their issues are going to be in the future.”
Christeyns produces oils, soaps and detergents for the professional cleaning and laundry sector and is based on Rutland Street off Wakefield Road, in Bowling. The Belgian-owned firm bought out Bradford-based Oils & Soaps in 1998 as part of a series of mergers and acquisitions that has put the business on the international stage. It also has a presence in the USA, Brazil and the Middle East, and originated in Ghent, Belgium in 1946.
Suzanne added:
“We’ve been involved with the Chamber for several years now, in various ways, and so I think I’ve got a good understanding of what’s required in helping Nick in my role as Vice-President. However, it’s still a privilege to be asked to take on a leading role in this way. I’ve already been working with the Producer City Board on the marketing of the District and I hope to be able to expand upon that over the next two years.”
Pic Caption (L-R): Past President Andy Caton; Vice-President Suzanne Watson; New President Nick Garthwaite
