People: Accountancy firm partner takes helm of business group; IoD adds to network

ROGER THOMPSON, a partner at BHP Clough & Company Chartered Accountants, has succeeded Yorkshire Bank’s Andy Davidson as chairman of Bradford Professionals’ Network.  

Mr Davidson had held the post for one year but has passed on the reins due to taking up a new post in the bank’s Leeds headquarters.  

The group, which is run and managed by the local Chamber of Commerce, meets quarterly for business people in the banking, legal, finance and insurance sectors.  

It was founded by Bradford Council to improve engagement and communication between those sectors and its staff.  BPN’s speakers and topics are agreed by a steering group of local businesses.  

Mr Thompson said: “The network is a good forum that succeeds in several ways.  It facilitates a better understanding between the Council and the sectors represented.  Speakers will be rigorously questioned but also welcomed and valued for the insights they provide.  I’m looking forward to following on from Andy and working with the steering group to deliver more successful events for the network.”

Mr Davidson added: “It’s been a pleasure to chair the group.  The meetings help bring the local business community closer together and complement the activities of other organisations, like the Chamber of Commerce.  It’s important to keep businesses informed and connected and to put the right speaker in front of the right audience – and that’s one of the things that BPN does very well.”

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Richard Smith, MD of Surfachem GroupTHE Institute of Directors (IoD) has added to its growing network of ambassadors with the appointment of Richard Smith, managing director of specialty chemicals company Surfachem Group.

The ambassador network consists of high-profile business leaders who represent and promote the IoD in their area and grow the region’s voice on national policy matters.

Mr Smith will be an ambassador for West Yorkshire with a focus on promoting the IoD’s chartered director course.

Mr Smith started his chemical industry career with Courtaulds Research in 1985 following a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Liverpool. He has been managing director of Leeds-based Surfachem Group, part of 2M Holdings, since 2012.

He said: “Completing the chartered director course helped me to understand the different facets of being a director and the importance of corporate governance – how to do things the correct way and always strive for best practice.

“I am now an interviewer for the next generation of chartered directors, which keeps my own professional development up to date.”
Other IoD branch ambassadors include Caroline Pullich, who leads Barclays Business and Corporate Bank in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire director Peter Wilkinson and Wakefield businessman Hugh Taylor.

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