The Institute of Directors’ (IoD) has today, 15 April made two announcements which will benefit Cumbria’s thriving business community throughout 2019.
Multi-award-winning North-West business leader Barry Leahey MBE has been announced as its new Cumbrian branch Chair, whilst the Kendal office of prestigious investment management company Rathbone Investment Management, has committed to continuing its partnership supporting the IoD’s 2019 series of learning and networking events in the region.
The appointment of Barry Leahey MBE, managing director of Playdale Playgrounds and one of the region’s most celebrated entrepreneurs, follows incumbent Chris Ward’s completion of his tenure with the IoD this month.
Barry’s outstanding career to date has been duly recognised over the past few years, with national accolades including being named as one of the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders by the Telegraph and LDC in addition to his MBE appointment for services to UK trade and exports. Regionally, he was named Businessperson of the Year 2018 at the in-Cumbria Business Awards as well an inclusion in the North West Business Insider’s 42 under 42 class of 2017.
His position as Chair of the IoD in Cumbria will see him work with the organisation’s 2000 members and with Rathbone Investment Management to organise events in Cumbria throughout the year, including the annual Windermere cruise in July and the not to be missed ‘Too Poor to Retire’ seminar in June.
As an organisation for leaders across all sectors, shapes and sizes of business, the IoD supports members to be the best leaders they can be. Both Barry as the new Chair and Rathbones’ continued partnership will play instrumental roles in continuing to grow and broaden its varied membership within the region.
Demonstrating its reach across different generations and business audiences, its forthcoming investment seminar on 13th of June, titled ‘Too Poor to Retire’ and featuring Ed Smith, Head of Asset Allocation Research at Rathbone Investment Management, will discuss the disparity between the current generation of pensioners and those now planning for their retirement in generations X, Y and Z – and the impact that this will have on the wider economy.
Claire Ebrey, Regional Director for the North West and Isle of Man said: “Rathbones is an excellent partner for the IoD, because their enthusiasm for engaging leaders from across all sectors and their passion for making Cumbria and the wider North West better places to live and work, aligns with our passions. We are very excited to work with them again.”
And congratulating Barry on his appointment, added: “Barry has contributed significantly to the IoD in the region since becoming a member. Deservedly recognised as the IoD’s Global Director of the Year at our North West awards in 2018, he embodies the entrepreneurial ambition that our region is proud to celebrate. We are delighted that he will be playing such a pivotal role within the development of the Cumbrian branch over the next few years.”
Barry, who is frequently invited to work as a mentor for Department of International Trade to help develop export opportunities for North West Businesses, said: “I am really excited at the prospect of leading the IoD’s Cumbrian branch at this interesting time and in working closely with Rathbones to assist Directors of businesses large and small across the county. I look forward to promoting the IoD as a powerful platform to communicate the matters that affect our region, both now and into the future.
Rathbones Kendal sponsors numerous initiatives aimed at connecting the business community and nurturing the next generation of business leaders – including the Brathay Trust’s Aspiring Leaders Programme aimed at keeping talented young people in the local area.
Richard Dawson, Managing Director of Rathbones Kendal said: “We’re pleased to renew our partnership with IoD. Their support for local businesses is a good match for our commitment to contributing to our community and we’re very much looking forward to supporting the 2019 programme of events in Cumbria.”
To reserve places at the ‘Too Poor to Retire’ event on 13th June, please email [email protected] or call Institute of Directors on 0161 806 0890.