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20
Jan
Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm sponsors charity single
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Harrogate law firm Hempsons has sponsored a new charity single co-authored by an acclaimed songwriter.
Who Cares? is performed by Ivor Novello-nominated singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine, who co-wrote it with Brian Johnson, a marketing executive with asset manager iCG. The pair have had previous success with a collaboration that reached No.1 in the iTunes chart in New Zealand.
Proceeds from the sale of the song will go to The Care Workers’ Charity.
Brian said:
When I joined iCG over a year ago, I mentioned to the chair, Mike Padgham, that I wrote songs in my spare time. He immediately said, 'We need a song for the care sector!'.
To write and record the song, Brian approached his friend, Glasgow-based Boo Hewerdine, who has had songs recorded by kd lang, The Corrs and Eddi Reader, and has been described by BBC Music as “one of Britain’s most consistently accomplished songwriters”.
The final track has Boo singing and playing guitar, and features North Yorkshire-based community choir Sing Out! South Craven.
Philippa Doyle, head of social care at Hempsons, said:
As a specialist social care firm, we are very aware of the difficulties facing the providers and their staff, and it’s important to us to offer support and raise awareness.
Who Cares? is distributed by Horus Music and available to purchase as a digital download at Bandcamp here.
New ex-Army COO for Red Kite
Red Kite Learning Trust, whose schools include Western Primary, Harrogate Grammar School and Rossett School, has appointed a former senior army officer as its new chief operating officer (COO).
Jonathan Timmis OBE joins the trust from Astrea Academy Trust, where he oversaw operational services across 27 schools. Red Kite has 14.
Before he entered the education sector, he served in the British Army for 29 years, retiring as Deputy Chief of Staff 1st (UK) Division.
Notably, he led strategic operations supporting multi-national military and civilian personnel and contributed to international peace and security initiatives, including mentoring at the Afghan National Army Officers’ Academy.
Jonathan Timmis OBE
Mr Timmis describes himself as a passionate advocate for diversity, has extensive experience fostering career opportunities for women in the military, and he is deeply committed to promoting mental health wellbeing and resilience.
He said:
This trust’s focus on collaboration, integrity, and respect aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to working with such a dedicated team to ensure every child in our care thrives academically and personally.
Red Kite Learning Trust chief executive, Richard Sheriff said:
Jonathan’s exceptional leadership record and operational expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a Trust.
His strategic vision and commitment to excellence will strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding education and opportunities for all within our community.
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