The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has started the spring season on a high with the appointment of two new directors to its board.
Jason McCartney, Head of Public Affairs at the University of Huddersfield, and Stefanie Hopkins, founder and managing director of Faith PR, will join the team to build on the Chamber’s work supporting businesses in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
After being the Member of Parliament for the Colne Valley between 2010 and 2017, Jason McCartney joined the University in October 2017. His current remit at the University is to strengthen its relationship with opinion formers and policy makers, with a particular focus on establishing the UK as a world leader in rail technology via the University’s Institute of Railway Research.
Stefanie Hopkins is the founder of Brighouse-based award winning public relations agency, Faith PR. The agency, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary, specialises in advising companies on PR strategy and delivering results-driven social, digital and traditional media content. Stefanie has over 15 years’ experience
across a wide range of B2C and B2B sectors representing brands including Twisted Automotive, Premdor, Kirklees Council and Vorwerk.
The pair will take the current board to seven members, joining Martin Hathaway, MD of MYCCI, Brian Stahelin MD of Stafflex, Gareth Hunt, MD of Copiserv, Andy Turner of first choice (recruitment) and Tim Welton of Williams & Co.
The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce aims to protect and develop the interests of business in the metropolitan districts of Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. It also provides a range of services to help businesses perform well, give business people a voice and help to understand policy issues and legislation that impacts on businesses in the region.
The role of the Board of Directors is to advise, challenge and ensure the business of the Chamber is run in a sustainable way for the long-term benefit of members, and act as ambassadors for the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Brian Stahelin, Managing Director of Stafflex and Chamber Chairman said: “We are delighted to welcome Jason and Stefanie to the board. They are both dedicated and experienced business people who will bring valuable communications experience to the board.
“Their appointments will strengthen the Board of Directors and help to steer and guide it as it aims to continue to deliver quality services that connect, support and represent businesses across our region.”
Jason McCartney added: “I’m really looking forward to joining the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce board as local businesses, large and small, are the lifeblood of our community. They not only provide employment but also community leadership and involvement.
“I want to help take forward Huddersfield as a confident, vibrant and innovative centre for manufacturing and creativity located in beautiful countryside with great heritage and wonderful cultural and community events.
“Huddersfield has a key strategic location at the centre of the Leeds/Manchester/Sheffield triangle and we have to make sure our town is front and centre in making the most of the opportunities that will come from devolution in Yorkshire. We must ensure that major transport infrastructure projects across the North improve connectivity to our town.”
Stefanie Hopkins said: “I’m pleased to be joining Jason on the board. There are some fantastic businesses across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield and I can’t wait to reflect every element of our local business community and to help it continue to thrive.”
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