Tariq Shah appointed co-chair of regional Business Advisory Board

Vigo Group Director, Tariq Shah, will co-chair a new Business Advisory Board set up to turbo charge business in the region.
The new South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) advisory board will drive economic growth in South Yorkshire harnessing a broad spectrum of expertise.

Members of the board are some of South Yorkshire’s brightest and best business leaders who will work with the Mayoral body to challenge, champion success and ensure the business voice is heard.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:

“I’m hugely excited to launch our new Business Advisory Board. South Yorkshire’s economy has been too small for too long, and fixing that problem is central to my ambitions as Mayor.

I couldn’t be more pleased to have such a brilliant group of people to work with in addressing that challenge. It’s a brilliant group of people that showcases the immense, diverse talent we have across the region. The Business Advisory Board will play a vital role in our plans to turbo charge economic growth, offering both advice and insight, helping me to restore the pride, purpose and prosperity of South Yorkshire.”

Vigo Group Director, Tariq Shah OBE said:

“As someone proudly from Doncaster, I am delighted to have been appointed to SYMCA’s Business Advisory Board and am looking forward to co-chairing the board with Louisa Harrison Walker. This group demonstrates SYMCA’s commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity.

The board’s diverse composition, featuring leaders from various industries and business stages, reflects an inclusive and collaborative spirit. I commend Mayor Oliver Coppard and SYMCA for prioritising not only business success but also improving lives equitably, aligning with Vigo Group’s values.

The recent designation of South Yorkshire as the UK’s first Investment Zone positions the region on a global stage. I believe the Business Advisory Board will play a pivotal role in capitalising on this momentum, driving business success nationally and internationally.

I am optimistic about the transformative impact the board will have on our local businesses and communities. This is a commendable step towards ensuring that SYMCA’s efforts align with the evolving needs of our dynamic region. I express my gratitude to SYMCA and Mayor Oliver Coppard for their dedication to South Yorkshire’s economic and social well-being.”

Members of the Board are:

Louisa Harrison Walker

Representing the three South Yorkshire Chambers (Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster, and Sheffield) – co-chair

Rachel Abbott

Representing the Cutlers, South Yorkshire International Trade Forum, Manufacturers Forum and Made In Sheffield

Dawn Huntrod

Representing MakeUK

Paula Gouldthorpe

Representing the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

Angela Foulkes

Representing the South Yorkshire Skills Advisory Board (SYSAB)

Liz Blackshaw

Representing the Northern Trade Union Congress

Sherry Kothari

Chief Executive, Plasma 4

Tariq Shah OBE

Director, Vigo Group

Roz Davies

Chief Executive, Green Estate

David Cross

Chief Executive and Architect, Sky-House

Richard Gould

Sales Director, Metlase

Ken Perritt FCILT

Senior Director, GXO Logistics

The Board will deep dive into the urgent and important issues facing our region. It will provide much-needed insight to help shape and design innovative policies and programmes, and positively challenge SYMCA and partners to ensure local support really works for businesses and communities.

For further information visit the SYMCA website