Former editor to address Yorkshire Business Awards

The Scottish journalist and broadcaster will share his latest insights into Westminster life with the audience of business leaders.

Mr Neil is a well-respected political commentator with high-level contacts across the establishment.

He presents the Daily Politics programme among other live BBC shows and is chairman of The Spectator magazine.

Former newsreader Angela Rippon will take on the role of presenter for the fundraising lunch on December 14.

Ms Rippon was the first female journalist to regularly read the news on television. She famously appeared on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas show in 1976.

The Variety awards have raised more than £3m for disadvantaged children in Yorkshire since they were launched in 1986, helping to pay for 70 Sunshine coaches, 150 wheelchairs and 500 general appeals.

Martin Shaw, a senior corporate lawyer at Pinsent Masons who chairs the Variety committee in Yorkshire, said: “I am amazed at the support from the Yorkshire business community.”

The event celebrates Yorkshire’s business success stories and singles out individuals and boards for praise.

The awards are supported by main sponsor Sewell Recruitment Group and the Yorkshire Post.

Other sponsors include Design Portfolio Marketing Services, Ernst & Young, Evans Property Group, NM Rothschild, Pace, Pinsent Masons, Yorkshire Bank and Yorkshire Building Society.

Attendance is on a ticket-only basis. Email [email protected] or call 0113 245 9937 for details.