Yorkshire IoD appoints new regional director

Yorkshire Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Natalie Sykes as its new regional director.

A former chairman of the Young Directors Forum, Ms Sykes is an entrepreneur with a range of business interests across property, hospitality, health and well-being and vintage motors.

She is working towards the IoD’s chartered director status, and is an ambassador for the IoD student membership and the Higher Level apprenticeship scheme. Harrogate-based Ms Sykes is also chairman of Groundwork North Yorkshire, vice chairman of Groundwork Pride and director of the Moor Park Estate, while working part time at Ashville College, developing their trading company in the areas of events and lettings.

Ms Sykes said of her appointment: “I am passionate about business excellence, entrepreneurship, professional development, quality events, and, of course, my homeland, Yorkshire.

“I would like to see many other aspiring young directors seeing my appointment as inspiration. It underlines our regional and national IoD message. We are supporting leaders of all backgrounds.”

Her role for Yorkshire IoD is part time, and will see her work closely with chairman, Peter Holmes.

He said of her appointment: “Natalie brings experience from sectors of our economy that complement our existing base and further strengthen our position as the ‘go to’ business organisation in Yorkshire for directors in every aspect of the business world”.

She takes over from interim director, Bernadette Cronin, who has spent three months working with Yorkshire IoD to re-establish a lobbying arm for the business organisation.

Mr Holmes said: “Bernadette has been pivotal in establishing some very important partner relationships that we must nurture as she quickly developed an understanding of the needs of the IoD and our members in the region.

“She has looked after us in fine fashion and it is true to say that without her, the recent Director of The Year Awards would not have been so successful and well attended. It was with great pleasure that we introduced the Interim Director of the Year Award in her honour.”