Rose of Rixonway appointed to key fundraising role at Prince’s Trust

Paul Rose, chief executive of Rixonway, the Dewsbury-based kitchen manufacturer, is new chairman of the development committee for Yorkshire and Humber.

He replaces Harrogate businessman Richard Jackson, who is stepping down after 14 years in the role.

Mr Rose said Mr Jackson will be a hard act to follow. Mr Jackson said he has helped to raise £20m during his chairmanship, including pledges.

The pair are keen to attract more business supporters and emphasise the high ratio of funds raised to funds invested compared to some other charities with higher running costs. Mr Jackson said 84-85p of each pound goes to good causes in Yorkshire.

He said: “I am delighted Paul Rose agreed to succeed me in the role. He will be great with the staff and volunteers and keep the momentum going in our successful region. My only piece of advice would be ‘make it happen’.”

Mr Jackson said the biggest challenge has been finding sufficient funding in the private sector following the ignificant cut backs in the public sector.

He added: “When the going gets tough the tough get going and we can be proud to be the leading fund raising region thanks to our very generous supporters.”

Mr Jackson will stay on as chairman of the trust’s leadership group in Yorkshire.

Mr Rose said: “There are numerous challenges facing young people in the North.

“The main one is to get young people into some kind of permanent and sustainable employment. It’s really key that we’re able to provide an avenue out of difficult environments to show them there are opportunities out there for them.”

He added: “There’s always going to be competition between other charities. People have the opportunity to donate and engage with numerous charities so for me it’s about getting into a position where the trust is the charity of choice.”

Mr Rose has doubled the size of Rixonway, increasing turnover and headcount from £16m and 200 to £40m and 500 during his 20 years at the business.