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    11

    Jul 2024

    Last Updated: 10/07/2024
    Business
    Business

    Mayor seeks Harrogate district business leaders for new board

    by John Plummer

    | 11 Jul, 2024
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    0

    david_skaith_2
    David Skaith (right) with Andy Makin, managing director of Harrogate firm EnviroVent

    Business leaders in the Harrogate district are being urged to apply to join a board being set up by new mayor David Skaith.

    Labour candidate Mr Skaith was elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire on May 2.

    The new York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which he oversees, is tasked with delivering the region’s £540 million devolution deal.

    It is now setting up a business board to shape economic growth in the region.

    The board will advise the combined authority on economic strategy and policy decisions. It will also help to bid for investment and engage with businesses, opinion formers and policy makers.

    Mr Skaith, who grew up in Harrogate but ran a men’s fashion shop in York prior to taking up office, believes the new board will create opportunities for businesses across the patch.

    He said: 

    I want to improve our region’s productivity so it is no longer 10 per cent behind the national average – business voices can help us with that.

    The creation of the business board will enable me to understand and take action to best support businesses and create opportunity for all, across York and North Yorkshire. If you’re passionate about business and passionate about the future for York and North Yorkshire, your voice is important, and I want to hear from you.

    Including spending from a Mayoral Investment Fund, which includes a high street business initiative, the combined authority will deliver £112 million of investment in 2024/25. This includes a £67 million local transport fund, £12.7 million for brownfield housing, £10 million of green economy investment and £2.9 million for skills provision.

    To apply for the new board, visit here