People: Institute of Directors; Beattie; and more

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Andrew Palmer as its Policy Voice ambassador for North Yorkshire.

Palmer will head the IoD’s powerful Policy Voice programme, which enables directors to influence government ministers and policy makers through regular round tables and surveys.

The IoD has helped to secure vital support for business leaders during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules.

Through Policy Voice, the IoD was able to provide the Government with first-hand reports from members across the UK who are dealing with the fallout from the crisis.

Palmer runs communications consultancy The Gravitas Matrix, which helps people to gain confidence and demonstrate authenticity.

He is a former regional director for the CBI in Yorkshire and the Humber and chief executive of North of England Excellence.

He previously worked as a bio-medical scientist for the National Blood Authority and business journalist for the Yorkshire Post.

He said: “At this time of global crisis, more than ever, business leaders need strong representation in the corridors of power. By sourcing and feeding the real life stories of our members into government we are securing vital support for directors and their businesses.

“Whether you run a large business, a start-up or a charitable organisation, the IoD is here to support you.”

Caroline Pullich, acting IoD chair for North Yorkshire, added: “Policy Voice is a fantastic platform where we can work together as directors to share knowledge and deliver real change.

“Andrew’s communications background makes him the perfect candidate to take Policy Voice in North Yorkshire to the next level.”

Other Policy Voice ambassadors include Rashmi Dubé of Legatus Law, Leeds, who played a key role in delivering change over late payments.

Dubé records the IoD’s regional Policy Voice podcast, which is available via Apple Music and Spotify.

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Beattie, an integrated communications agency with offices in Leeds and Manchester, has signed the former boss of a rival agency in the north west.
Wayne Silver, who was managing director of One Brand Magic, in Sale, has joined Beattie as managing director of integrated marketing.
Rachel Gladwin, who heads Beattie’s north and midlands division, said: “We’re delighted to have snapped up one of the region’s most respected and best connected integrated marketers.
“Like every agency in the country, we have experienced a serious dip in revenue because of the coronavirus crisis but Wayne’s arrival signals our determination to ensure Beattie bounces back stronger than ever when business life returns to normal.”
Silver said: “Beattie is one of the most progressive agencies in the UK and I look forward to bringing more clients on board as well as expanding their range of specialist marketing services when the crisis is over.”
Silver was at One from 2008, first as business development director and as managing director from 2014.
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Leeds-based Fox Agency has hired David Clare as head of content, to handle content, digital, and research-led accounts on a global scale.

Clare joins from Tyto, where he was partner and head of content and insights.

At Tyto, he led activity on numerous global campaigns, with clients spanning various tech sectors, including FinTech, CyberSecurity, HealthTech, and IoT.

He has previously worked with global tech companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Intel, as well as darlings of the tech start-up scene, including Evernote and Shazam.

In his new role at Fox Agency, Clare will oversee the content team, which encompasses content creation, social media, SEO and paid media.

He will manage a team of five initially, with recruitment in progress for further search and social roles in the agency.

Al Fox, director at Fox Agency, said: “David has a wealth of valuable experience from his previous roles at prestigious agencies including Hotwire and 33 Digital.

“He brings with him a commercial mindset and expert understanding of digital which we are confident will help us significantly in our ambition to become a major player in the B2B tech marketing arena.”

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