Rosie Winterton MP signs up 30 Business Ambassadors to support the region

27/01/2009

Rosie Winterton MP, minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, has recruited nearly 30 leading business people – including Neil Turton, chief executive officer of Nisa-Today’s - to support the region. She is using their business knowledge and experience to help other businesses in the downturn as well as to support the region’s inward investment plans.

Their first activity is an open letter to all regional media, urging businesses to continue investing in skills through the downturn and to use the free business support available.

The open letter is signed by 17 of the Ambassadors focusing on skills and business support and includes well known names such as John Anderson, regional director of BT; Mark Andrews, chief executive of NG Bailey; Andy Bond, chief executive of Asda; Jan Fletcher, chairman of Montpellier Estates; Richard Gregory, chairman of Yorkshire Bank; Andrew Palmer, regional director of the CBI and Linda Pollard, regional chair of Coutts Bank.

The letter (which can be downloaded here) highlights that these business leaders have successfully survived a number of recessions, and are pooling their experiences to identify what they believe are the priorities now for Yorkshire’s businesses. They urge businesses to continue investing in skills.

“A big issue for many businesses right now is cost cutting – and training budgets are often the first to go. But it is a false economy.

“Even in these difficult times, there are real opportunities we should seize. In many businesses, it may be easier now to release staff for training. Larger businesses could strengthen their supply chains by developing training in partnership with suppliers.”

Other areas they highlight include a focus on marketing and the pursuit of excellent customer service as well as ‘good and timely financial information, particularly daily cash reporting’.

The Ambassadors stress that there are still businesses doing well and new opportunities even in difficult times – and urge businesses to make use of the funding and support to help innovate and develop products and services, as well as find new export markets.

Rosie Winterton said: "I am extremely grateful for this commitment by Business Ambassadors to support the region in whatever way they can. A number of Ambassadors want to pool their experiences of having successfully survived a number of recessions to help other businesses in the region. They are particularly keen to stress the importance of continuing to invest in skills through the downturn.

“They are also urging businesses to use the free support available and to contact Business Link to maximise every opportunity.

"Other Ambassadors are keen to support us in our plans for inward investment and promote the region as a great place for business both nationally and internationally."

"My priority as Regional Minister is to work with regional partners to ensure businesses and the wider community have the help they need to get through difficult times."

Yorkshire Forward is supporting Rosie Winterton’s plans and helping to focus areas where Ambassadors’ skills and experience can add most value to existing plans in the region.

The Ambassadors mention that the initiative, Train to Gain has been extended to cover most employees in job-related skills and Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to train young people.

Business Link can help in all these areas, from skills and financial health checks to innovation and increasing sales - www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk or 08456 048 048.

Ends

For further information contact
Victoria Tomlinson, Northern Lights PR 01423 562400
Rob Walshaw, Government Office 0113 341 2875

Notes to editors
List of Business Ambassadors under regional areas

East Yorkshire and the Humber
John Fitzgerald, Port Director, ABP Grimsby & Immingham
Ian McIntosh, President, AAK UK
Neil Turton, Chief Executive, Nisa-Today’s

West Yorkshire
John Anderson, Regional Director, BT plc
Mark Andrews, Chief Executive, NG Bailey
Andy Bond, Chief Executive, Asda Group plc
Richard Gregory, Chairman, Yorkshire Bank
Julie Hanson, joint Managing Director, Brahm
Linda Pollard, Regional Chair, Coutts & Co
Kevin Whiteman, Chief Executive, Kelda Group
Brian Whittington, Dean, Leeds Metropolitan University
Margaret Wood, Managing Director, ICW (UK) Ltd

North Yorkshire
Alan Blackwell, Principal, Craven College
Jan Fletcher, Chairman, Montpellier Estates Ltd
Peter Kay, Partner, Ware & Kay LLP
Graham Ward, Chief Executive, Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd

South Yorkshire
Gordon Bridge, Chief Executive, Aesseal plc
Nick Cragg, Chairman, Nicholas Associates Ltd
John Foster, Managing Director, Fosters Bakery
Rob Hannon, Managing Director, Sureguard Energy Services Ltd
Julie Kenny, Managing Director, Pyronix Ltd
Tracey Lally, Managing Director, Talent Services Ltd

Regional organisations
Michael Oughtred, President, Yorkshire & Humber Chambers of Commerce
Andrew Palmer, Regional Director, CBI Yorkshire & Humber
Nimble Thompson, Regional Chairman, Institute of Directors Yorkshire and the Humber