Business leaders to help drive growth
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Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region have been
announced as members of York and North Yorkshire Combined
Authority's newly created Business Board. Following an extensive
process, 13 volunteers have been recruited to the board to reflect
the diversity across York and North Yorkshire, providing valuable
knowledge and experience from across the region's growth and core
sectors. Jennifer Wood, Co-Founder of Ripon based O&3 Limited
has been appointed as...Request free
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Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region have been announced as members of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's newly created Business Board. Following an extensive process, 13 volunteers have been recruited to the board to reflect the diversity across York and North Yorkshire, providing valuable knowledge and experience from across the region's growth and core sectors. Jennifer Wood, Co-Founder of Ripon based O&3 Limited has been appointed as Chair of the Business Board. Along with Jennifer's expertise in food and bioeconomy, the Board will comprise of specialists across sectors such as creative and digital, manufacturing, rail, retail, hospitality and voluntary, community and social enterprise. Jennifer Wood, Business Board Chair said: “David (Skaith) has a terrific vision for York and North Yorkshire, and a very credible plan. I am really looking forward to helping him deliver this, alongside our board of highly skilled, fellow Yorkshire business leaders. “We are in a period of change, and I have no doubt – given the experience and passion at the helm – our region will further thrive and prosper for the benefit of us all.”
Business Board Members The Business Board will provide a strong and independent business voice for York and North Yorkshire, advising the Combined Authority and Mayor on strategy and policy to unlock its economic potential and stimulate growth and prosperity. In response to UK Government's proposed new National Industrial Strategy, the Business Board will oversee the development of the York and North Yorkshire Growth Plan. David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “I am delighted to welcome these outstanding individuals to the Business Board. We received a high volume of applications from some exceptional candidates, and it was a difficult decision to choose just 13. “The Combined Authority has recently agreed draft strategic growth priorities for York and North Yorkshire. The strategic growth priorities will help to inform our Local Growth Plan which will launch in Spring 2025. “The Business Board will have a key role to scrutinise and provide insight into the Local Growth Plan and how it will support emerging opportunities for growth that we are yet to fully realise. With new and emerging growth, it is important that we have the right plans in place to attract private sector investment in York and North Yorkshire and create more and better opportunities for people who live and do business here. “My mission is to ensure that devolution delivers healthy and thriving communities across York and North Yorkshire and small businesses are at the heart of that. The Business Board will have a role in ensuring that we are supporting small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities to be resilient and to thrive. “It is crucial to me as Mayor that I have strong connections to the business community. As well as the Business Board, the business voice will also be supported by a development forum, which is soon to launch, a network forum, and ongoing engagement and support for business through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Growth Hub and Invest partnership.” The Business Board will meet in-person quarterly, with the first meeting due to take place on Friday 22nd November. NOTES TO EDITORS BUSINESS BOARD MEMBER BIOGRAPHIES
JENNIFER WOOD – CHAIR After starting her career in multinational banking, Jennifer launched O&3, a trusted provider of high-quality natural oils for a wide range of applications, from skin care to culinary use. Jennifer oversaw significant growth at O&3, a company that imports from 40 countries and exports to 62. O&3 has a strong focus on people as the driver of growth and currently employs 75 people, 50 of whom are based in Ripon.
CAROLINE BELL Caroline Bell is the Director of Shepherds Purse Artisan Cheeses, a celebrated North Yorkshire family business founded in the 1980s to provide high-quality dairy alternatives for those with cow's milk allergies. Caroline brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Apple, where she developed her skills in strategic leadership, innovation and education technology. Alongside her sister Katie, she has guided Shepherds Purse to national and international acclaim, leading a team of 35 artisans who craft award-winning cheeses known for their exceptional quality.
JANE COLTHUP Jane is the Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire, focussed on improving the lives of people living in Yorkshire through attaining more thriving, connected, inclusive and sustainable communities. Community First Yorkshire is the local infrastructure organisation in North Yorkshire, championing and supporting the VCSE sector. As a member of the Action with Communities in Rural England network, Jane understands the issues facing rural communities and is keen to address inequalities.
DAVID DICKSON David is a well-connected businessperson with a passion for working with family- businesses. Amongst many non-executive public and private sector roles held, David is currently the Chair of St Leonards Hospice, York, and is a member of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund Stakeholder Advisory Board.
CHERIE FEDERICO
DAVID HALL David is the Vice-President of the Power Systems business unit across the UK and Ireland at Schneider Electric. Having previously held senior roles at companies such as SSE, EON and RWE Npower, David has gained a wealth of experience in sustainability, renewal electricity generation, energy management and energy efficiency.
ANDY HUGHES Andy is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and has over 25 years' experience within the Rail industry. Andy is Managing Director of AGH Engineering Ltd, a design consultancy based in the centre of York which provides specialist services to Network Rail and their supply chain. Andy sits on the IET Council and supports the Royal Academy of Engineering in policy development.
DAVID A KERFOOT CBE DL David is the Chair at Fix Our Food, a multi-disciplinary research programme which aims to transform the Yorkshire food system to benefit both human and planetary health. David co-founded the Kerfoot Group in 1980 with the group's main markets being in food manufacturing, cosmetics and aromatherapy.
NICOLA KINGSWELL Nicola is the Scientific Director at Labskin Limited, a leading skin science company based at York Biotech Campus. Labskin Limited create lab grown human skin equivalents to test cosmetic, skincare and pharmaceutical products with companies from around the world. Nicola has worked extensively with universities, start-ups and large businesses and is an innovator in her field of work.
REBECCA LAYTON Rebecca has vast experience across the hospitality sector and owns Layton Hill Hotels, having previously worked for renowned Yorkshire hotels such as Rudding Park, Devonshire Arms, and Feversham Arms and Verbena Spa. Rebecca is also Chair of Indie York, a not-for-profit business association that supports and celebrates local businesses around the city.
SAM LEACH Sam is the Co-Founder, and Finance and Development Director at Spark, a community interest company that revitalised a disused part of York City Centre to create opportunities for local businesses to open their first premises in a value driven environment. Sam co-founded Spark in 2018 at the age of 24 which has since provided valuable opportunities for local start-ups, creatives and community groups.
ANDY MAKIN Andy is Managing Director at EnviroVent Limited, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of low energy, sustainable domestic ventilation equipment. Andy has held various director roles for over 17 years at the Harrogate based company that employs around 300 people and has a commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon by 2030. JESSICA WRIGHT Sector: Digital, Culture, Heritage, Education Location: Skipton Jessica is Managing Director of The Peel X Group where she has worked since the company was first launched in 2011. During this time, Jessica has specialised in the creation and delivery of award-winning digital (XR) and live projects across heritage, museum, leisure, tourism and education sectors. Her company develops innovative and interactive experiences to engage audiences and enhance user experiences. GROWTH SECTORS
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