100 Club: James Haddleton, CEO of Haddleton Legal

James Haddleton is CEO of Haddleton Legal and 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, he discusses what he loves about the city of Leeds and why he is involved in the foundation.

What’s your ideal day out in Leeds?

Freed of work, I enjoy all the open spaces like Roundhay Park and Park Square. If we are talking food, Sous le nez is one of the few excellent places that has been around since  textiles was a major industry here (almost). If it’s summer I’m off to Headingley to watch the Yorkshire v Lancashire 20 overs match. The idea of demanding a reclaimable deposit for plastic beer cups was genius: in an instance it  removed every trace of beer cup snakes from the Western Terrace.

What is the best lesson you have learned in business?

Never underestimate how much work it takes those supporting you to implement what seems like a simple idea when you originally espoused it.

What single thing do you think could help the city?

HS3. Why is HS2 more important than connecting the North and Irish Seas: from Hull to Liverpool via York, Leeds, Manchester, Manchester Airport. If we boost the economic opportunities provided by HS3 more people who don’t participate economically will be able to do so (think of all those votes Boris).

What inspired you to join the 100 Club?

I like the idea of  supporting  varied  community  causes across the board – from using thrown away paint to brighten up lives to providing a community space at the Old Fire Station in Gipton. I know we can all do more collectively and individually  but we all help in a small way.

What community issues are important to you?

Social inclusion: getting people who have the ability, but not the confidence or opportunity, to believe in themselves and achieve a better life for themselves and their families.