Chamber leader wants area ‘ready for business’

The York-based businessman, a partner at property consultants Lawrence Hannah, said his goal is to cut through the party politics and focus on how York can grow.

“I know first hand the trials and tribulations and barriers that are out there,” he said.

“As president I want to play a part in making sure that York and North Yorkshire are ready for business. The area has an international reputation, is a leading tourism destination and is great place to live and work. However, I believe that more must be done to make our area a first choice business destination and place for investment.”

He said that one of his first goals will be to address the lack of affordable housing in the area.

Another is to identify sites for businesses to move to.

“We need sites available for development that emerging new businesses will want,” he said.

A third goal is to create a dual carriageway on the outer ring road west of the City, where the major employment sites are situated.

A fourth is to identify some low grade green belt sites as possible areas for housing and development.

“We have got to be brave and look at some of the poorer quality agricultural land that doesn’t perform a green belt function,” he said.

He said that with the coalition Government firmly placing the responsibility for economic growth on the private sector, businesses have the opportunity to take the lead in how they would like to see York and North Yorkshire develop in the long-term.

“Renewable energy and the science industry present huge opportunities for our region and we need to make sure that we are able to take advantage of developments within these sectors.

“The Chamber will work with local councils and North Yorkshire County Council to make sure the right policies are put in place to deliver growth.

“We will continue to lobby for ambitious development plans that show the rest of the world that York and North Yorkshire is open for business.”

Mr Flanagan succeeds Shaun Watts as president .