Collaboration the key to region’s future – Wood

MARGARET Wood has urged businesses in Yorkshire to work together to boost the region’s economy after winning the Yorkshire Ambassador award at the Yorkshire Business Masters 2012.

The managing director of glazing specialist ICW also spoke of her pride in representing the region as she prepares to stand down as the chairman of the Institute of Directors in Yorkshire later this year.

A loud cheer accompanied the announcement of her success at the culmination of the Yorkshire Business Masters 2012, held in partnership with Jaguar, at Aspire in Leeds.

She won the award, sponsored by Deloitte, ahead of fellow finalists Viking Fund manager Andrew Burton and Connect Yorkshire chief executive Nick Butler.

Mrs Wood told the audience she hoped her time as IoD chairman had left a legacy and platform for other successor to build on.

“I am immensely proud. We know how good we are in the region, we know what great businesses we have. What gives me the most pleasure is both locally, nationally and internationally promoting Yorkshire and saying how good our businesses are,” she said.

“Listening to the tremendous businesses here today has made me feel even more that there is a legacy to go forward.

[VIDEO: 551]”We work closely with other business organisations such as the CBI and I think cooperation and collaboration are the key business words for the future.”

Mrs Wood told how following the loss of her husband she had ignored advice to get remarried and instead launched her business.

She paid tribute to the “fabulous team” at ICW and said it was seeing the business and the individuals within it grow that gave her the most satisfaction.

Mrs Wood launched ICW in 1991 and it has grown to employ five people directly and many more through sub-contracting and design work.

She was honoured with an MBE last year and previous awards include a lifetime achievement medal from the European Women’s Inventors and Innovators Network International.