Bruntwood’s Kate Vokes takes chair at CityCo

KATE Vokes,  marketing and HR director at property group Bruntwood, has been appointed as the new chair of CityCo, the organisation which strives to make Manchester a better place to work, visit and live.

Mrs Vokes, who joined the CityCo board earlier this year, will chair the independent, not-for-profit membership organisation for the next two years.

She joined her family business, Bruntwood, in 2000 having previously worked for Accenture, Fayrefield Foods , Rank Hovis McDougall and Safeway, She is a Trustee of the Oglesby Charitable Trust,  and plays a key role in the family’s charitable activity and was founding chair of the Factory Youth Zone in North Manchester.

CityCo’s network covers a range of sectors including retail, leisure, professional and financial services, hotels, transport, education, utilities, creative industries and hospitality.

Kate Vokes said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of CityCo given my personal passion for the city in which I both live and work. As a family our approach to life is not to sit on the sidelines, we like to get involved and take responsibility.

“CityCo’s work fits naturally with Bruntwood’s desire to create places for business success. Building partnerships and relationships is a fundamental way we both work. Whilst being a property company we have a wide range of customers and suppliers across Manchester whose success is influenced by the success of the city.

“I look forward to working with the city over the next two years to continue to develop this fabulous place we call home whether in work, play or both.”

Vaughan Allen, CityCo chief executive, added: “Kate’s clear vision to ensure all sectors of the city centre thrive made her the ideal choice to lead an organisation whose ultimate aim is to drive Manchester’s economic growth.

“Kate’s extensive marketing experience will be an invaluable asset in helping us to position Manchester as a thriving, competitive and sustainable city competing on both a national and international scale.”