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17
Feb 2023
Last Updated: 16/02/2023
Stray Ferret Business Awards: Dynamic Leader
The Dynamic Leader Award is sponsored by Succession Wealth.
Succession Wealth offers premium financial advice clients across the UK.
The firm aims to provide clients with peace, clarity and financial well-being.
This award is designed for those in the Harrogate district who are driving progress and change within their organisation, even during hardships.
Finalists
Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store:
Ian Baker is the Founder and Managing Director of The Soundproofing Store.
Ian Baker has led The Soundproofing Store to become the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK.
Ian's employees say, “his style of leadership is instrumental in the success of the business and solutions offered to customers”.
Ian Baker said:
“I am deeply grateful to be recognised among such a talented group of individuals, especially as my team nominated me without me knowing. I feel very humbled to have made the shortlist.
"I would like to express my gratitude to my team for their hard work, dedication, and support, without whom this recognition would not be possible. Their contributions and efforts have been instrumental in making our company what it is today”.
Sarah Jones, Full Circle Funerals:
Sarah Jones is the founder of Full Circle Funerals.
The company aims to raise the standards and expectations of funeral care across Yorkshire and beyond.
Since launching Full Circle, Sarah has collaborated with university academics to research the long-term effects funerals can have on people’s well-being, using the results to improve her own company.
Sarah has led Full Circle to become the first funeral director in the UK to be listed as a B Corp organisation.
Sarah Jones said:
“It is incredibly humbling to be recognised in the context of leadership and I hope that my actions and those of others around me will inspire and create positive change, particularly in relation to sustainability and wellbeing”.
Danny Wild, Harrogate College:
Danny Wild is the principal of Harrogate College.
Danny places sustainability at the top of Harrogate College’s agenda, hoping to become a centre of green excellence and a net zero facility by 2035.
Danny has led the College be the first in North Yorkshire to achieve a 'College of Sanctuary' status. The accolade recognises colleges that support refugees and people seeking asylum.
Harrogate College recently celebrated an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding Features’. The provision for adults and personal development of students were both graded ‘Outstanding’.
Danny Wild said:
“I feel very proud to be nominated for this award. This nomination gives me an opportunity to reflect on the work of my colleagues at Harrogate College, who work hard every day with people to change their lives through education.
"My view of being a dynamic leader is being attuned to the needs of the people you work with by listening and responding in a way that allows people to succeed”.
Suzanna Prout, Xenonex:
Suzanna Prout is the Founder and Managing Director of Xenonex.
Xenonex offers leadership coaching and development programmes.
During covid, Suzanna shifted Xenonex to be entirely online. This included online training and bespoke portals where users could access resources and track progress.
Suzanna also led the business to win the CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award for ‘Management Training Specialist of the Year – UK’.
Suzanna’s colleagues say, "her door is always open to provide support".
Suzanna Prout said:
“I am delighted to be a finalist in the dynamic leader award. Being recognised is a wonderful way to reflect on all it takes to build a business from the ground up, to build a fabulous team and to work with some amazing clients.
"This could not be possible without the ongoing commitment and contributions from the fabulous team at Xenonex who inspire me every day. Dynamic leadership is about constant change, boundless energy and a positive outlook even when times are tough. For me, it’s all about being one step ahead and for delivering a level of service to our clients that exceeds expectations”.
Andrew Meehan, Harrogate Family Law:
Andrew Meehan is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrogate Family Law.
Andrew has led the firm to be consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers guides.
Andrew dedicates a significant amount of time to all his employees as a mentor, intending to create premium standard lawyers and great career progression.
Andrew is empathetic to the emotional pressure family law can bring, and provides external coaching and counselling services to his staff when needed.
Andrew’s employees describe him as “charismatic and loved by all”.
Andrew Meehan said:
"I feel flattered to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Award for Dynamic Leader. I was surprised to be nominated by my team, but am delighted to have been shortlisted, especially given the quality of the other shortlisted nominees.
"I wish them all the very best of luck on the night.”
Alastair Taylor, NYnet:
Alastair Taylor is the CEO of NYnet, a broadband connectivity company in Harrogate.
Since taking on the role of CEO in 2022, Alastair has rebranded the company and launched a new website in preparation for expansion into the private sector.
Alastair oversaw the rollout of free town centre WIFI to 20 towns in North Yorkshire, including Harrogate.
Alastair's employees say, "Alastair recognises the importance of inspiring his team and motivating them to achieve the goals he has for NYnet".
Alastair Taylor said:
“It means a great deal that this is a local award, in the region where my colleagues and I are engaged in improving connectivity and the digital economy. I feel fortunate to work with a fantastic senior management team in a field that is dynamic by nature, where technology is always generating change and new opportunities.
"One of the bonuses of this is being able to share the knowledge we gain here in Yorkshire with technology leaders much further afield.”
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