The future of Yorkshire Business Market (YBM) has been secured following The Yorkshire Society taking over a two-thirds stake in the organisation.
Co-founders Brian and Beryl Dunsby, who have been at the helm of the annual event since its inception 14 years ago, are handing over their shares to The Yorkshire Society and their directorships will be taken by Philip Bell and Andy Chaffer, both directors of The Yorkshire Society and members of its executive team.
The Yorkshire Business Market was created in 2005 when, as Chief Executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Mr Dunsby was looking for ways to boost the local economy. Staged annually at Pavilions of Harrogate, the Yorkshire Business Market trade exhibition has been held successfully every year since as a low-cost business-to-business promotional opportunity.
Crucially, Mark Lancaster, YBM Co-Founder and also a director, will remain in his role and work closely with the Society in organising and delivering 2019’s business showcase event.
Mark Lancaster said: “I’m delighted to welcome my new co-directors, Philip Bell and Andy Chaffer, to The Yorkshire Business Market board.
“They are highly experienced and competent businessmen, and both play key roles within The Yorkshire Society with Philip being its Chief Executive Officer and Andy its Financial Director.
“This new partnership means the future of the Yorkshire Business Market is secure and we can now begin the important task of planning next year’s event.”
Philip Bell, the Society’s CEO said: “The Yorkshire Business Market is a perfect fit for The Yorkshire Society. Both are not-for-profit organisations and both celebrate and promote the economy of the county.
“The Yorkshire Society recognised the business promotion and networking benefits that the Yorkshire Business Market has to offer. We now have plans to grow it and, thanks to its successful formula, replicate it across the Yorkshire region.”
The next Yorkshire Business Market event is scheduled for May 2019. For more information, write to contact@theyorkshiresociety.org