Eleven Yorkshire leaders named among top 100 in the UK

Johnny Caddick

Eleven inspirational Yorkshire leaders have been named in a national list for their contribution to driving positive change in the UK.

Grant Thornton, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, has unveiled its 100 names on this year’s ‘Faces of a Vibrant Economy’ list for 2018, an accolade which celebrates organisations, and their leaders, from across the public, private and third sectors, who demonstrate excellence and dedication to growth, purpose and innovation.

Eleven of the 100 names on this years’ list come from Yorkshire. They are:

  • Phil Andrew, CEO, StepChange Debt Charity
  • Laura Bennett, Consultant in Entrepreneurship and the Digital Economy, and private sector board member for the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership
  • Johnny Caddick, Founder, Moda Living and the Caddick Group
  • Professor Keith Ridgway CBE, Co-founder, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
  • Professor Steve Haake, Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre
  • Anj Handa, Founder, Inspiring Women Changemakers
  • Rachel Hannan, Business adviser and angel investor
  • Janet Smith MBE, Principal and Artistic Director, The Northern School of Contemporary Dance
  • David Hartley, Managing Director, Wensleydale Creamery
  • Andrew Weaver, Chief Executive, Strata
  • James Cain OBE, Managing Director, Harrogate Water

 

Johnny Caddick said: “The role and impact of modern property developments is changing dramatically – creating both a positive impact on the environment and the wellbeing of those who live, work and visit an area is imperative.  It’s an incredible time to be involved in major building projects and I’m proud of the work being undertaken by Moda Living and Caddick to make a difference to our cities. To be named as one of Grant Thornton’s ‘Faces’, is a true honour and great company to be in.”

Rachel Hannan

Rachel Hannan, an angel investor and chair of the Leeds Community Foundation board, said: “I’m thrilled to have been selected as one of the 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy. Working with and investing in lots of different businesses across Yorkshire, I’m lucky enough to see how they can not only create jobs, but also have a broader positive impact in communities.

“For me this is what a vibrant economy is all about, business and other sectors learning from and supporting each other, and as Chair of Leeds Community Foundation I see firsthand how the private sector can make a huge contribution, not just financially, but in terms of sharing skills and experience with charities and community groups to make a difference.”

Andrew Weaver

Andrew Weaver, Strata, said: “I was delighted to be selected as one of the new Faces for 2018. What I like most about Grant Thornton’s approach is that it doesn’t seek to flag wave or pander to ego. We are in an era where businesses and their leaders’ behaviour and values are being rightly scrutinised more than ever before. The Faces of a Vibrant Economy both past and present, brings you closer to enterprising and articulate people who are keen to make a difference. This has to be a good thing.”

 

James Cain

James Cain, Managing Director of Harrogate Water, said: “I am hugely proud to have been chosen by Grant Thornton as one of the Faces of a Vibrant Economy 2018, representing both our brands; Harrogate Water and Thirsty Planet. It’s a pleasure to be part of such an exciting group of business leaders.”

Anj Handa, founder Inspiring Women Changemakers, said: “I am honoured to be part of the Faces campaign, which is aligned with my personal

Anj Handa

values. Since 2003, I have worked to create meaningful business-led partnerships with the public, private and voluntary and community sector and where the voices of individuals are heard. I love to demonstrate how organisational purpose leads to enhanced performance – and profitability.

“I look forward to connecting with Faces of this and previous years. We have the opportunity to harness our collective influence and contacts to drive positive social change.”

David Hartley

David Hartley, Managing Director at The Wensleydale Creamery, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as one of the Faces of a Vibrant

Economy 2018. It’s great to see Grant Thornton taking initiative and helping the business community in the UK thrive and flourish by facilitating interaction and cooperation.

“It will be great to connect with other like-minded leaders, to share ideas and insights to continue the development of the business community in the UK. I believe that in business it is vital to stay focused and decisive, remain loyal to your values and nurture the best team possible, empowering colleagues at every opportunity.”

 

As part of Grant Thornton’s commitment to shaping a vibrant economy in the UK, each year the firm identifies and brings together 100 progressive leaders across private, public and third sectors that demonstrate excellence in two or more of the following areas:

  • Growth: fostering a culture of growth, job creation and leading their organisation into new markets
  • Innovation: solving problems, leaders whose products or services are disrupting the sector and challenging the status quo
  • Purpose: investing in their workforce, connecting financial profit to social purpose and contributing to the wider community

Andy Wood, Managing Partner, North and Midlands, Grant Thornton, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to recognise the hard work and dedication of some of our region’s most inspiring leaders.  At Grant Thornton, we know that doing well by doing good makes business sense and believe that leaders embracing this ethos deserve to be championed. That’s why we launched the Faces campaign – to celebrate individuals who exemplify the Vibrant Economy movement, which aims to shape an environment where people, organisations and communities thrive.

“From house builders to local government leaders to dance school principals; our Faces share the same commitment to make a positive impact. For many of these leaders, clear purpose is the North Star, helping them to navigate and make the right decisions in the longer term. Being purpose-led in this way involves a fundamental mind-set shift from ‘what I can do’, towards ‘what we collectively can do’.

“By celebrating these remarkable leaders, we recognise their role in developing a more purposeful and innovative business environment. They show us how business can be done through ‘human’ leadership which nurtures talent.  They provide examples to inspire other business leaders and the next generation to shape a Vibrant Economy. They demonstrate that profits with purpose lead to sustainable business, and show us that it’s not only possible, but also necessary, to do well by doing good.”

The 2018 Faces have become part of a wider community that is now 300-strong. The community connects leaders with similar mind-sets and missions, who may otherwise never meet. It gives an opportunity to share ideas and insights, as well as learn from each other.

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