‘Three R’s’ important for new Chamber president Foster
ARUP director Nigel Foster has been named as the new president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Gary Lumby.
Mr Foster said a key aim of his presidency would be to help campaign for the right conditions to be in place to encourage job creation and growth.
He also wants to help businesses, Leeds and the Chamber become more resilient, relevant and responsive.
“My predecessor, Gary Lumby, led the Chamber through an agenda of change and as a result it is more influential amongst policy makers and is much more dynamic in how it supports its members,” said Mr Foster.
“I aim to build on Gary’s successes and ensure that the Chamber is relevant to all types and size of business and show how the Chamber can help them become more resilient during these challenging economic times, either through tailored-business support packages or help them making the right contacts.
“I also want the Chamber and the businesses it represents to play a part in ensuring that Leeds is ambitious in becoming one of Europe’s leading cities so that we can create new business opportunities and jobs in the city.
“We must ensure that we have the conditions for growth and job creation as the economy improves and we should put the groundwork in now in terms of planning and infrastructure needed for the future development of the city. There is clearly an opportunity for the private-sector to take a leading role in driving urban development and renewal and the Chamber will be there to support their ambitions.”
Mr Foster, who will take up the position on September 23, has been a director at the Chamber since 2010 and chairman of the Leeds Chamber Property Forum since 2009.
Outgoing president Mr Lumby said: “I am delighted to pass over the reins of presidency to such a passionate, experienced and successful person and Nigel will lead the Chamber and its members to a highly successful period in its history.
“The economic opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and transport development that the City Region faces means that the Chamber and its members could not wish for a better person to be taking over as president over what I am sure will be an exciting period.”
