Major business leaders join up for the future

Members of the group, which was the brainchild of Cleckheaton-based businessman Andy Howarth, aims to develop their own business skills and support local charities.

The company leaders also intend to identify local and regional challenges for firms and develop an action plan to support business growth in the region.

Chairman of Howarths People and Safety Management Mr Howarth said: “Running a business, no matter how small, is an onerous task and can be a very lonely position to hold.

“All important decisions are normally down to you, all the problems are yours alone and time management is constantly an issue.

“I brought this group together with mutual support in mind, but also to see how we can identify business trends, pitfalls and initiatives that might help other businesses in the region.

“We have an initiative to support local charities and to deliver a long-term business strategy for the benefit of all.”

Mr Howarth said that all the business leaders in the group were highly experienced professionals, managing directors and entrepreneurs with different skill sets and backgrounds.

“Recognising the need to work together is an essential part of business and forming solid partnerships is an essential element of business development,” he said.

The group members include chief executive of Leeds United Foundation Mick Ferguson, managing director of Kirklees Stadium Development Limited Gareth Davies and managing director of Legacy Sport in Liversedge Shaun Fox.

Chief executive of the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice Peter Branson and director of Bradford-based Children’s Place Nurseries Debbie Burke are also involved.