New chief takes the Chamber reins

In April, Mr Cruddas was announced as interim chief executive after Gary Williamson stepped down to pursue other interests following five years in the position.

He had been with the Chamber for a decade. Mr Cruddas, who now takes on the role on a permanent basis, ran the York and North Yorkshire Chamber for six years until it merged with Leeds Chamber in 2008.

He has worked as an executive director in two companies, been a chief officer in a city council and a self-employed management consultant.

In an email to members this week, Mr Cruddas said: “Like many of you, the Chamber has had to adapt to a challenging business environment and to this end we have undergone a comprehensive restructuring of our business.

“As a result we now have a very strong team in place to ensure that we continue to be able to support the growth of your business.”