100 Club: Lyn Ayrton, Partner at Lake Legal LLP

Lyn Ayrton, Partner at Lake Legal LLP, is a member of the Leeds Community Foundation’s 100 Club, a patronage scheme for individuals who are motivated to make a difference in Leeds.

Here, she discusses what she loves about the city, and why she’s involved in the foundation.

 

What is your favourite thing about Leeds?

I live just outside Leeds and love the fact that I can drive one way and be in the bustle of the city centre, yet drive the same distance the other way and be in acres of open parkland.

What’s your ideal day out in Leeds?

On a weekend I really like to take my foot off the pedal, so brunch and a long dog walk invariably feature during the daytime. I’m a big fan of live music so somewhere with a band on an evening would round the day off nicely – doesn’t need to be anyone famous!

What is the best lesson you have learnt in business?

I have a sign on my window sill that says ‘if you fear to fall you will never fly’ and I think that is a fairly good summary of my approach. I came to realise early on in my career that there is no such thing as a safety net, sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith.

What single thing do you think could help the city?

I would like to see more free events. Not everyone can afford the hefty prices for seats at The Arena, Grand Theatre or even standing in Millennium Square.

What inspired you to join the 100 Club?

I think when you have reached a certain level of success, you have a responsibility to invest some of your own time, money or energy back into your community roots. Leeds Community Foundation does a fantastic job engaging the business community to raise funds that support groups across the entire city. For me it was therefore a no brainer for my firm to join the 100 Club as soon as the introduction was made.

What community issues are important to you?

I think one group that is often overlooked are the elderly, and the loneliness they endure. With a fair wind, old age will happen to us all, but I am not convinced that it is a headline cause for concern.

 

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