Yorkshire business people receive New Years Honours
WELL known business figures and unsung individuals in Yorkshire have received awards in the New Year Honours List.
Entrepreneur Barry Dodd, founder of the GSM Group and chairman of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership receives a CBE for services to the Yorkshire economy and voluntary service to the community to go with the OBE he already holds.
Richard Wightman, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford and ex-president of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, received an OBE for services to further education and the voluntary sector.
The chairman of Bradford College served as a district councillor for more than 20 years, was deputy leader of Bradford Council and his chairmanship at the College has seen boosts for education and training in Bradford and a multi-million pound redevelopment is moving towards completion.
Another Bradford businessman to receive an OBE is Barry Whitaker, chairman of the textile advisory board at Bradford College from 1990 to 2005, who received his honour for services to the textile industry and the community.
Bedale-based Bruce Ropner, honorary vice president of the British Bobsleigh Association, receives an OBE for 54 years’ service to the sport and particularly for his role in youth training.
A former winner of the British two-man bobsleigh championship, Mr Ropner, now 80, is still involved in the sport and his son Robert runs Camp Hill, the outdoor adventure centre in North Yorkshire.
OBEs were also awarded to Ann Cadman, director of The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield; Frank Carter for services to business, charity and the community in Barnsley; Martin Johnson, managing director of Leeds-based Quality Freight Services; and Stephen Lavender, co-managing director of Sheffield company Lavender International.
