AS A group of business people, passionate about Yorkshire and the Humber, we have made a commitment to support the region's business community in whatever way we can.
Having successfully survived a number of recessions, we have pooled our experiences to identify what we believe are priorities for Yorkshire's businesses.
A big issue right now is cost cutting – and training budgets are often the first to go. But
it is a false economy.
Even in these difficult times, there are real opportunities we should seize. In many businesses, it may be easier now to release staff for training. Larger businesses could strengthen their supply chains by developing training in partnership with suppliers.
Marketing needs to be more focused and with it the pursuit of excellent customer service.
All of us recognise that there are businesses doing well and still new opportunities even in difficult times. There is funding and support to help.
We would urge businesses to make use of the free and flexible support available to help them. The initiative, Train to Gain has been extended to cover most employees in job-related skills and apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to train people.
Business Link can help you with all the above – www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk or 08456 048 048.
John Anderson
Regional Director – Yorkshire & The Humber Region, BT
Mark Andrews
Chief Executive, NG Bailey Ltd
Alan Blackwell
Principal, Craven College
Andy Bond
President and CEO,
ASDA Stores Ltd
Gordon Bridge
Chief Executive, Aesseal plc
Nick Cragg
Chairman, Nicholas
Associates Ltd
Jan Fletcher
Chairman, Montpellier
Estates Ltd
John Foster
Managing Director,
Fosters Bakery
Richard Gregory
Chairman, Yorkshire Bank
Julie Hanson
Joint Managing Director, Brahm
Julie Kenny
Managing Director,
Pyronix Ltd
Ian McIntosh
President, AAK UK
Michael Oughtred Senior Vice President,
Yorkshire and Humber
Chambers of Commerce
Andrew Palmer
Regional Director,
CBI Yorkshire and Humber
Nimble Thompson Regional Chairman,
Institute of Directors
Neil Turton
Chief Executive Officer,
Nisa-Today's
Graham Ward
Chief Executive, Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd
Brian Whittington
Dean of Leeds Business School, Leeds Metropolitan University
Margaret Wood
Managing Director,
ICW (UK) Ltd
