Business Diary: August 2

But JCI (Junior Chamber International) Leeds members believe they can make a difference and save countless lives.

The group is hosting Fashion Bites Back, which will take place at the Northern Ballet headquarters on Saturday, October 8 at 7.30pm.

Anil Champaneri, the president of JCI Leeds, told Diary: “The event will raise awareness and funds for the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets grassroots campaign, which aims to prevent the spread of malaria through the provision of bed nets.

“A selection of incredibly talented young designers from a variety of backgrounds will be showcasing their individual collections, as well as a unique net inspired garment which they have prepared for the occasion. The evening will include live entertainment, as well as the catwalk show.”

In 2008, Junior Chamber International (JCI) established JCI Nothing but Nets, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, to provide JCI members with the chance to take action against malaria through education and fundraising.

Those taking part in the event in October include Jag Sahota, who continued to develop her skills as a fashion designer after graduating from Leeds College of Art and Design in 2004. Her family lived in Kenya which makes the cause of the show particularly relevant to her. She said: “Being part of the UN campaign to help eradicate malaria empowers me as a designer to know that fashion makes a difference.”

For further details about JCI’s activities, visit www.jcileeds.org.uk

Consultant free zone

outgoing Croda chief executive Mike Humphrey doesn’t have much time for management consultants.

Mr Humphrey, who last week told the City he is retiring after 42 years with the East Yorkshire-based natural chemicals company, will stay on for a while as a senior adviser. But woe betide anyone who labels him as a management consultant.

“I’ve banned management consultants from Croda for many years. I thought it was my job to manage.”

Upon retiring in January, Mr Humphrey plans to spend more time with his family and also travel. When asked why he is retiring, Mr Humphrey, who started out as a “management trainee dropout”, said the answer is simple. “I’ve done 42 years, 13 as chief executive and 17 on the board. You don’t get as much as that for murder. It’s time for a change.”

He will be replaced by Steve Foots, president of Croda Europe, another long-standing executive with the group.

But My Humphrey doesn’t see any U-turns for the group, now one of Yorkshire’s biggest stock market-listed companies. “I think there will be evolution rather than revolution.”

Higher calling

Lloyd Blankfein, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs, sparked ire and derision when he said his bank was doing “God’s work”.

Now, there is a chance to hear from a businessman who might meet that label. Jonathan Ruffer, chairman and chief executive of investment group Ruffer, will appear at a Ministry to Business (M2B) event in Leeds in the autumn.

The firm, which he set up with Viscount Tamworth and Jane Tufnell in 1994, has nearly £12bn of funds under management. Mr Ruffer donated £15m to the Church of England to save some of its artistic treasures

The event, organised by Rev Rob Hinton, Minister to the business community, is at Club LS1, 3 Albion Place on October 6. For more information go to http://ministrytobusiness.com

Backing the boots

ITS boots have traipsed many miles across some of the most inhospitable parts of the world.

Now military boot maker YDS is going the extra mile by backing the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back appeal, which helps to get wounded servicemen and women back on their feet.

The Cleckheaton-based manufacturer, which makes 10,000 pairs of boots and shoes every day, set up a scheme called “Put Yourself In Their Boots” which will donate £2.50 for every pair of its boots sold in the UK.

YDS sales manager Steve Hall said: “We wanted to put something back to the organisations that support our UK troops and we’re proud to be working with The Royal British Legion on such a worthy project.”

The RBL’s appeal aims to raise £50m for The Royal British Legion Battle Centre, a national centre for adaptive sports and adventure training. It will also include the operating costs of four personnel recovery centres around the UK.