Ten Yorkshire business leaders named in list of 100 influential individuals
Ten inspirational Yorkshire leaders have been named on a national list of 100 influential individuals.
The Yorkshire faces of Grant Thornton’s Face of the Vibrant Economy 2017 are:
Sharon Watson, Phoenix Dance
Diane Cheesebrough, thebigword
Gina Rowlands, Bevan Healthcare
Andrew Lane, Union Industries
Glynn Robinson, BJSS
Joanna Robinson, Mansfield Pollard
Derek Carter, Portakabin
Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University
Lee Strafford, Accelerated Digital Ventures
Carl Cavers, Sumo Digital
Grant Thornton, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, has unveiled the faces to celebrate organisations, and their leaders, from across the public, private and third sectors, who demonstrate excellence and dedication to growth, purpose and innovation.
Derek Carter, CEO of £300m turnover business Portakabin, said: “My proudest achievement is the growth of the business over the past five years.
“My advice is, be alert to the changing environment and always be prepared to bring fresh ideas forward.”
“It’s OK to enjoy what you do!”, says Carl Cavers, CEO of video game developer Sumo Digital. As the head of the Sheffield-based business, he has built Sumo into a powerhouse of the gaming world, gaining huge traction in UK and the US.
“What am I most proud of? It has to be co-founding Sumo and growing the business into an internationally recognised brand synonymous with quality video game experiences.”
Andy Wood, Managing Partner for Grant Thornton Yorkshire said: “I’m delighted to see so many Yorkshire names on our list of Faces. This is a testament to the enthusiasm, talent and diversity of our region’s business community.
“Our Faces are exceptional leaders, driving positive results against a clearly defined purpose. Their commitment and passion makes us want to be like them, to work with them and to learn from them. They demonstrate how businesses can be a force for good in society, how creative approaches and commitment to investing in your people can drive results, and how passion, coupled with purpose and a great idea can change the world for the better.
Diane Cheesebrough, deputy chief executive officer, thebigword, said: “At thebigword, we passionately believe that language is a final barrier to peace and prosperity. Translation and interpreting can break these barriers and increase social and economic harmony.”
Her key piece of advice is to keep listening: “Keep listening to what is happening in the market, economy and different departments. If you stop listening you become obsolete.”
