Get Set To Grow Workshops

deliciouslyorkshire has announced the appointment of Cathy Clelland as the organisation’s new Chairman.

Clelland, who took up the position on 1 September 2010, was appointed following an extensive search across the region to find an appropriate successor to Patrick Farnsworth who has been chairman of the organisation since 2005. She will be responsible for guiding the organisation through the next phase of development, with a focus on commercial activity.

Comments chief executive Jonathan Knight; “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick for all his support and hard work in creating a solid foundation on which to build a strong commercial future. At this time of change, it is reassuring that deliciouslyorkshire is still able to offer its expertise and services to this vibrant and growing sector.”

Clelland has a strong commercial track record, having previously worked as Financial and Commercial Director at Leeds Bradford International Airport and Finance Director for programme production at Yorkshire TV. She also chairs the board at West North West Homes Ltd, a social housing organisation looking after 22,000 houses in Leeds, and is a non-executive director of Bradford and Airedale PCT.

Clelland comments: “deliciouslyorkshire’s role in promoting and providing assistance to businesses is crucial in supporting a thriving regional food economy. The next phase of deliciouslyorkshire’s development will focus on further commercial development as its public funding is reduced in keeping with our contract with Yorkshire Forward.

“It is a real privilege to be assuming the role of Chair from Patrick who has been such a passionate champion of deliciouslyorkshire. I am now looking forward to working with the team with the ultimate aim of becoming self-sufficient in the future. This will be achieved by offering a larger range of services to our members and also the food and drink industry as a whole.

“It’s an exciting challenge as deliciouslyorkshire goes through this transition period, and we will continue to promote and protect the best interests of the region’s great food producers.”