Regional food agency chief to step down

Jonathan Knight will depart from his role at Deliciouslyorkshire before the end of the year.

In a statement, the Tadcaster-based agency said: “Deliciouslyorkshire can confirm that chief executive Jonathan Knight – who has been a passionate ambassador of the company for the past four years – will be leaving the company in the autumn to embark on fresh challenges.

“Under Jonathan’s leadership the Deliciouslyorkshire brand has evolved to be one of the strongest regional food brands in the UK, and has assisted members in benefiting from the brand equity that has been developed – both at home and in overseas markets.

“Jonathan has seen Deliciouslyorkshire through a significant period of change over the last 12 months and is working closely with the Deliciouslyorkshire team to ensure a smooth handover of his responsibilities. A replacement for the role will be announced in due course.

“The Board of Deliciouslyorkshire is most grateful to Jonathan for his strong commitment to the Group and wishes him well for the future.”

Deliciouslyorkshire, which represents more than 500 food-related businesses, has lost around half of its 26-strong workforce following huge cuts to its funding from regeneration agency Yorkshire Forward, which is itself being abolished as part of the Government’s austerity programme.