Northern Leaders 2024 - part 1

Northern Leaders 2024 – part 1

Welcome to BusinessCloud’s inaugural Northern Leaders list.

Northern Leaders 2024 aims to shine a light on the leaders who have made – and continue to make – the biggest positive difference to the North.

BusinessCloud was inundated with hundreds of nominations for the list, which is aimed primarily at the business world but also includes figures from politics, philanthropy, sport and the voluntary sectors.

A panel of esteemed judges whittled down the main list of 540 names to just 200 – the first 100 of which are celebrated below, with the second 100 available here.

A Northern Leaders Futures list of 75 names, aged 45 or less, has also been published here.

The headline sponsor for Northern Leaders is OBI and and is joined by partners , Co-op Live, CG, GM Business Growth Hub and Rochdale Development Agency. It will be hosted at KPMG Manchester offices.

• Every effort has been made to double check the accuracy of all the profiles, but if any details have changed, contact Chris Maguire here.

• Subscribe to the BusinessCloud weekday morning newsletter and TechBlast events newsletter here.

Northern-leaders-partners-new-2

Northern Leaders 2024 – Part 2

Northern Leaders Futures 2024

Phil Adams, head of global technology group & co-head UK and Europe corporate finance, Houlihan Lokey
Former CEO of GCA Altium, he was one of a group of investors who backed Altrincham Football Club. His 21-year-old son Joseph has Down’s syndrome and recently raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Altrincham FC to fund a disability sports programme by running 100km across Europe in six days.
Nazir Afzal, OBE, Chancellor, University of Manchester
After a lengthy career in public service, Afzal became Chancellor of the University of Manchester. He’s also chair of the Lowry Theatre. He’s best known as being a former chief crown prosecutor and prosecuting some of the most high profile cases in the country. He’s campaigned on a range of issues including violence against women and girls, child sexual abuse.
Will Ainscough, executive chairman, Wain Homes
Ainscough was appointed executive chairman of Wain Group in 2016, taking on the joint roles of CEO and chairman. He previously worked as a chartered surveyor for Cushman & Wakefield and set up HIMOR in 2005. HIMOR was incorporated into Wain Group in 2016 before becoming Wain Estates. He wants Wain Homes to have a positive impact on people and places.
Prof Janice Allan, pro-vice chancellor, academic leadership, UCLan
Professor Janice Allan joined UCLan in April 2024 having previously served as the Dean of Salford Business School between 2019-2024, where she led on a significant expansion project.
Simon Arora, former CEO, B&M Retail
Along with his brothers Bobby and Robin, Simon Arora transformed B&M Retail into one the UK’s most successful retailers before retiring in 2022. Along with his wife Shalni, Arora does a lot of charity work.
Liz Ashall-Payne, CEO/founder, ORCHA
Ashall-Payne is a respected healthcare leader and the founding CEO of Daresbury-based app evaluation firm ORCHA, which counts former Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy as an investor.
Jennifer Atkinson, co-founder and executive chair, Travel Seen
Atkinson is a doyen of the travel industry. The former chief executive of Chester-based ITC Travel Group, she launched Travel Seen in 2021. She’s an active angel investor and a big supporter of female entrepreneurs and initiatives.
Phil Beahon & Tom Beahon, co-founders, Castore
Founded in Liverpool in 2016 by brothers Tom and Philip Beahon, Castore has become a global sportswear brand. Last year Castore secured a £150m investment, which valued the business at £950m. Early in their career their parents remortgaged their home to get the business off the ground.
Andy Bell, founder, AJ Bell/chair of Applied Nutrition
Co-founded in 1995, AJ Bell has become one of the largest investment platforms in the UK. After stepping down as AJ Bell’s CEO in 2022 he joined Applied Nutrition in February 2024 as non-executive chairman. At the start of the year he was awarded a CBE for services to the financial sector.
Professor Erinma Bell MBE, CEO, Erinma Bell Ltd/community peace activist
Erinma Bell MBE is a peace activist recognised for her work tackling gun crime in Moss Side and Longsight. She’s the first women to have her sculpture in Manchester Town Hall as well as becoming Deputy Lieutenant of Great Manchester.
Christine Bellamy, chief executive, Government Digital Service
Bellamy was appointed CEO of the Government Digital Service (GDS) earlier this year. She was previously director of GOV.UK and has also held a number of roles leading digital transformation and delivery at the BBC. Prior to this, she was a managing director at Johnston Media.
Marion Bernard, chief investment officer, Northern Gritstone
Northern Gritstone is a Northern-based investment company, founded by the universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield to support academic spin-outs. Bernard has the key role of chief investment officer.
Grant Berry, executive chair and co-founder, NorthEdge
Berry co-founded NorthEdge in 2009 and it’s a leading North of England based lower mid market private equity firm, with offices in Manchester and Birmingham. NorthEdge targets equity investments of £2m to £45m into established Northern and Midlands-based businesses.
Sir Michael Bibby, chairman, Bibby Group
He became chairman of Bibby Line Group in June 2020 having previously been managing director of Bibby Line Group for 18 years. Last year he was the Maritime Ambassador Award winner 2023.
Chris Bird, founder, Bird Consultancy / CEO, Raheem Sterling Foundation
Former chief operating officer at Manchester City FC, he’s the founder of one of the longest established independent consultancies outside London. Bird is also the CEO of the Raheem Sterling Foundation. His mother was one of Harold Shipman’s victims and he’s spoken about his battle with depression. He’s also the co-owner of the Not Really Here Group that owns the Tameside Reporter, Glossop Chronicle, and Tameside Reporter.
Tom Bloxham MBE, chairman/founder, Urban Splash
Urban Splash is responsible for development projects across the country, including Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. Bloxham was the founding chair of Manchester International Festival and Factory International before stepping down in 2024 having led the development of the organisation’s £250m Aviva Studios. He’s held several other senior roles.
Chris Boardman, cycling advocate
Boardman trained as a carpenter but shot to prominence in 1992 when he won GB’s opening gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics – Britain’s first cycling gold medal in 72 years. After retiring he entered the worlds of business and advocacy, including becoming Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester. He’s now the chair of Sport England.
Edwin Booth CBE, executive chairman of EH Booth; trustee, Eden Project
Booth is executive chairman of E H Booth & Company Ltd, the well-known grocery multiple founded in 1847. He chaired Lancashire’s Local Enterprise Partnership for many years and is now a trustee of Eden Project.
Eamonn Boylan, former chief executive, Greater Manchester Combined Authority; interim chief executive, Manchester City Council
Boylan has worked in the public sector for more than 42 years and is a former chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority. He’s currently interim chief executive of Manchester City Council.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
Tracy Brabin has been the Mayor of West Yorkshire since 2021, holding powers on transport, housing, regeneration, and finance. She also holds the functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Brabin was previously an MP and actress.
Jan Bramall, CFO, Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
Bramall joined MAG in 2018 as group finance director. She previously held VP finance roles across listed international business including JCI and Tyco with responsibility across Europe, North America, South America and Canada.
Jordan Brompton, co-founder, myenergi
Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton joined forces in 2016 to launch Grimsby GreenTech myenergi. Myenergi is a manufacturer of smart home energy technology. The company initially grew locally via crowdfunding before becoming one of the UK’s 10 fastest-growing companies. Brompton won the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2022. Brompton is the public face of myenergi.
Andrew Brown, managing director, Crow Wood Health & Leisure Club
Set within 100 acres of greenbelt land within the heart of Burnley, Crow Wood Leisure was established in 2001 and provides a range of fitness, health, leisure and sporting activities. It’s undergone a multi-million investment and is now a major employer.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor
Burnham is now in his third term as Greater Manchester Mayor and is acknowledged as the most powerful mayor outside of London. Prior to being mayor, Burnham was MP for Leigh from 2001 and held a number of ministerial positions. Outside of work he’s a passionate supporter of Everton FC.
Steve Byrne, CEO, Travel Counsellors
Byrne is the CEO of Travel Counsellors, which recently topped £1bn in sales. The Manchester-headquartered company has 2,000 travel entrepreneurs worldwide and has been named a business to inspire Britain by the London Stock Exchange. Byrne is hugely popular among his staff.
Hugh Campbell, managing partner/co-founder, GP Bullhound; Northern Tech Awards
Campbell co-founded GP Bullhound in 1999 to support innovative and ground-breaking technology. He previously worked at Goldman Sachs before going back to his investment banking roots. He opened the Manchester office in 2013 and the company runs the annual Northern Tech Awards.
Jamie Christon DL, CEO, Chester Zoo
Christon is responsible for one of the largest and most popular zoos in Europe. He previously worked at Manchester Airport Group where he headed up commercial operations.
Stephen Church, managing partner, EY
As the EY UK market leader for the North, Church leads a 1,400 strong team. Born in Scotland but described as an ‘honorary Mancunian’ he’s a passionate advocate for the North. He’s also been a big supporter of Northern Power Women.
Rachel Clacher CBE, founder, Moneypenny
Clacher co-founded Moneypenny in 2002, which today has a 1300+ international workforce and a UK reputation as ‘the happiest office in this land’. Ten years ago Rachel founded social mobility charity WeMindTheGap, changing the futures of under-served young people with love and care. In her role as Chair of Wrexham City board the power of community is being used to build a new future that harnesses the city’s extraordinary new international profile. A recent initiative is WhatWeAllAgreeOn, a co-created investment community that helps grow businesses that solve social issues at scale.
Stuart Clarke MBE, director, Leeds Digital Festival; founder, UK Tech Week
Best known as the co-founder of the Leeds Digital Festival, he’s been festival director since it started in 2015. He works closely with several startups and was awarded an MBE for services to the technology sector in 2023.
Steve Connor, founder/director, Creative Concern
Connor is the founder and CEO of Creative Concern, a multidisciplinary communications agency launched in Manchester in 2002. Creative Concern is one of the UK’s first and leading agencies exclusively dedicated to place, social issues and communications for a sustainable future. Connor currently sits on the Greater Manchester Business Board.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor
Gained prominence when he stood against Nick Clegg in 2015 general election in Sheffield Hallam. He was elected as South Yorkshire Mayor in 2022 and was re-elected in 2024. The mayor is chair of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; a formal partnership of the four councils in South Yorkshire.
Paul Corcoran, CEO & founder, Agent
Corcoran has grown Agent from a small start-up to a company with nearly 50 employees across the North West. He’s committed to ESG, using his platform and position to drive change and leave a positive impact. Agent was one of the first agencies in the UK to fully adopt the four-day working week. He is also a member of influential organisations such as NWBLT and Net Zero North West.
Lou Cordwell OBE, Professor of Innovation, University of Manchester; chair of GM Business Board (LEP)
Cordwell founded Manchester-based digital design studio, magneticNorth, which merged with Fluxx in 2021, creating the UK’s leading design and innovation consultancy. She recently joined the University of Manchester as a Professor of Innovation and special advisor to the president and vice-chancellor. She was awarded an OBE for services to the creative and digital economy.
Kathy Cowell OBE DL, group chairman, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Cowell was appointed chairman of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in 2016. A former banker, she worked for Cheshire Building Society for 24 years until taking early retirement in 2006. Cowell has held several senior roles in the health sector, including chairman of the East Cheshire NHS Acute Trust; NHS Cluster/PCT chairman; and vice chairman of Warrington Hospital NHS Acute Trust. Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2006 and High Sherriff of Cheshire for 2016/17, she was awarded the OBE for her contribution to the communities of Greater Manchester and Cheshire in 2014.
Mark Crabtree OBE, founder & MD, AMS Neve
Crabtree is the founder and managing director of Burnley-based AMS Neve, a leading manufacturer of audio technology equipment. Its mixing desks have been used by many global artists such as The Police, Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams. AMS Neve have won two Oscars, a Grammy and an Emmy for their contribution to film, music and TV.
Councillor Bev Craig, leader, Manchester City Council
Craig became leader of Manchester City Council in December 2021 and is one of the region’s most highly rated politicians. Belfast-born she graduated from the University of Manchester and quickly embarked on her career in local government. Her ‘X’ profile says ‘working hard to make Manchester an even better city’.
Bill Currie, founder, William Currie Investments
Currie is the founder of the William Currie Group, which specialises in investments in the retail, eCommerce and tech sectors. Key past investments have included Boohoo, The Hut Group, myenergi and Connex One (non ConnexAI).
Roisin Currie, CEO, Greggs
Began her career at Asda where she spent nearly 20 years, before joining Greggs in 2010. She was appointed chief executive in 2022 and is chair of the Employers Forum for Reducing Re-offending, a voluntary role working with the Ministry for Justice and New Futures Network. Currie is also a trustee of Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.
Martin Currie, CEO, Citypress
Currie is the chief executive of Citypress, the UK’s biggest employee-owned PR consultancy.
Garth Dallas, Good Small Business Awards; chair, The Liverpool Commonwealth Association
As well as running his own legal and business consultancy, Dallas is a non-executive director at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust, trustee at Belong Cohesion Network, chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association, co-founder of The Good Small Business Awards and expert in ethical and socially responsible business practices.
Jordan Dargue & Helen Oldham, co-founders, Lifted Ventures
Lifted Ventures aims to increase the flow of early stage capital to female founders. Dargue is a founder, investor and NED, while Oldham is also a founding board director of NorthInvest and a founding trustee of the Smart Works Leeds charity, which supports women back into employment.
Hannah Davies, CEO, Northern Health Science Alliance
The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) is a health and life sciences partnership between the leading NHS trusts and universities in northern England. It was established in 2011 and Davies became CEO in 2024.
Sara Davies, founder, Crafter's Companion; BBC’s Dragon’s Den
Best known as a Dragon on Dragons’ Den, she started her business – Crafter’s Companion – in 2005 from her uni bedroom and has grown the business across Europe and the US. She’s a big advocate of the North East.
Emma Degg MBE, chief executive, North West Business Leadership Team
Degg has a proven track record of bringing together business leaders and policy makers to make a tangible difference, both locally in the North West and nationally. A big champion of future female leaders she played a key role in creating the United for Ukraine platform to support evacuees coming to the region. She’s well regarded.
Marcello Distefano, MD, San Carlo Restaurant Group
Distefano has played a pivotal role in growing San Carlo into a regional, national and now international success story with a growing number of overseas restaurants – including Dubai, Egypt, Kuwait, Bangkok and Qatar.
Fred & Peter Done, co-founders, Betfred; founder, Salboy and founder/MD, Peninsula UK respectively
Fred Done is the billionaire bookmaker best known for founding Betfred with his brother Peter. He’s also the co-founder of property business Salboy, an investor and supporter of charities. Peter started Peninsula in 1983 to make HR and health & safety services accessible to businesses of all sizes. Today it looks after 140,000+ companies worldwide.
Graham Donoghue, CEO, Forge Holiday Group
Donoghue is the guitar-playing beekeeper at the helm of Forge Holiday Group, one of the UK’s biggest names in holidays. The short-stay specialist holiday provider owns a range of brands, including Sykes Cottages. In total the company manages 33,000 properties, handles 700,000 annual bookings, has 1,800 staff and transacts more than £500m a year.
Alison Dunn, CEO, Citizens Advice Gateshead & executive director of Society Matters CIC
Dunn has been chief executive of Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012, overseeing its growth from £1.4m to over £4m turnover, now employing 180 staff. She’s passionate about social justice and tackling poverty and inequality.
Sarah Dunning OBE, chair, Westmorland
Cumbrian Sarah Dunning is the second generation leader of her family business, best known for its motorway service areas, Tebay Services on the M6 in Cumbria and Gloucester services on the M5. She’s also a non-executive director of the Timpson Group and a trustee of the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust in Cumbria.
Jon Dutton OBE, CEO, British Cycling
Dutton was appointed chief executive of British Cycling in 2023 and was formerly chief executive of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. He was awarded an OBE for services to rugby league in the 2023. He was also awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Civil Law from Northumbria University in 2023.
James Eden, CEO, Private White V.C.
Jackets manufactured by Salford-based Private White V.C. have been worn by the likes of Cillian Murphy, Eddie Redmayne and David Gandy. Eden previously worked as an investment banker and is now the CEO of one of the best British menswear brands.
Steph Edusei, CEO, St Oswalds Hospice; board member, North East England Chamber of Commerce
Edusei rose up through the ranks of the NHS and is now the chief executive of St Oswald’s Hospice. She sits on a range of health and wellbeing boards in Gateshead and is a director of the North East England Chamber of Commerce. She is the founder of the ‘Black All Year’ podcast and uses the platform to amplify black voices. In 2022, Edusei was named Transformational Leader at the Northern Power Women Awards.
Dave Fishwick (Bank of Dave), founder, Burnley Savings and Loans
Fishwick opened ‘Burnley Savings and Loans’ in September 2011 and it quickly became known as the ‘Bank on Dave!’. Focused on personal service, it aimed to issue loans and deal with all its customers on a case-by-case basis with any profits being put back into the community. His story was turned into a Netflix film.
John Flint, chief executive, National Wealth Fund (formally UK Infrastructure Bank)
Former group chief executive of HSBC he was appointed CEO of Leeds-based UK Infrastructure Bank in 2021. It is now known as the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and has a broader mandate than infrastructure and is expected to catalyse significant private investment in key sectors.
David Foreman, managing partner/co-founder, Praetura Ventures
Foreman is a veteran of the corporate finance and venture capital world. Backer of early stage, high growth businesses. Predominantly, but not exclusively, focused on backing North West entrepreneurs. He believes passionately in Praetura Ventures’ reputation for being ‘more than money’.
Christy Foster, managing director, The Nursery Store (previously Online4Baby)
Foster co-founded Online4baby (now The Nursery Store) in 1987 with her sister Cheryl and has grown it into a multi-million business. She doesn’t do vouchers, discounts or debt and has spoken openly about her ADHD, dyslexia and autism.
Paul Fox, group managing director, Fox Group
Fox was just 23 when he started to take over his grandfather’s business and went on the acquisition trail. Earlier this month it was announced that private equity firm, Stellex Capital Management, was buying the Blackpool-headquartered family haulage firm.
Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, ex-cricketer and TV presenter
The former cricketer reinvented himself as a TV presenter but suffered serious injuries in 2022 while filming for Top Gear. He returned to our screens in Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on BBC TV, which is helping transform the lives of youngsters through cricket.
Lee Francis, CEO, RE:GEN Group
Became CEO for RE:GEN Group after spending 24 years at ENGIE (previously Keepmoat). RE:GEN Group is on a mission to decarbonise the social housing sector. The company has invested heavily in its non-profit RE:GEN Academy which offers training and employment opportunities for those looking to enter the sector.
Professor Luke Georghiou, deputy president & deputy vice chancellor, University of Manchester
Georghiou will step down as deputy president and vice-chancellor at the end of 2024 after a 50+ year association with the university. He’s a member of the board of directors of Manchester Science Park, and Northern Gritstone, the £312m spin-out venture fund for Northern universities that he helped to establish.
Daniel Gidney, CEO, Lancashire County Cricket Club
Gidney has transformed Lancashire Country Cricket Club and its Emirates Old Trafford ground under the mantra ’cricket at our heart, business on our mind’. It’s now a premier cricket, conferencing and concerts venue.
Andrew Gossage & Simon Showman, CEO/CCO, Ultimate Products
Showman began his career working for an auctioneer before co-founding Ultimate Products in 1997 with Barry Franks, growing it from three people in a room to a £100m+ business. Gossage joined in 2005, initially as finance director, and was an integral part of the management buyout team that year. In February 2024, he took over from Showman as CEO.
Andrew Graham, CEO, Graham & Brown
Family-run company manufactures and sells wallpaper, paint, interior decorations and home furnishings. CEO Andrew Graham’s daughter Iona is the fourth generation of the family to join the business. Andrew Graham marked his 30th wedding anniversary with his wife Siobhan by climbing the summit of Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Outward Bound Trust. Over the last year Graham & Brown have donated £250k to charity.
Andy Gregory, CEO, BGF
Gregory has significant experience of regional private equity, having worked in the Manchester offices of Livingbridge, Bridgepoint and Royal Bank Development Capital. He’s also the chair of the BGF Foundation, which has committed over £850k to UK charities since 2022.
Heath & Kelly Groves, CEO/COO, Sundown Solutions
Heath Groves is the CEO of technology consultancy Sundown Solutions and his wife Kelly is the COO. The firm has a string of blue chip clients and the company is a big supporter of Accrington Stanley Women FC.
Richard Hagan, managing director, Crystal Doors
Crystal Doors was founded by managing director Richard Hagan in 1994. Under his leadership Rochdale-based Crystal Doors has become a national leader in sustainable manufacturing and he is regularly invited to speak about how he is transforming the business in response to the climate emergency.
Marie Hamilton, Head of Microsoft NW
Hamilton joined Microsoft in February 2022 to lead their work across the Greater Manchester region. She is part of Microsoft’s Regional Government Leadership team and her role is to develop and lead the place-based strategy in Greater Manchester.
Steve Hare, CEO, Sage
Hare joined Sage in January 2014, having previously been operating partner at the private equity firm Apax Partners, which he joined in 2009. Prior to this Hare built over 10 years’ experience leading the finance function for three listed UK companies. He’s a big supporter of small and medium-sized businesses and young people.
Boyd Hargreaves, MD/owner, Loom Loft Furniture & Interiors
Veteran of the furniture and retail industry, he founded Loom Loft in 2018, built around a strong Lancashire heritage. He was previously managing director of the family-owned Oswaldtwistle Mills, helping transform it into a popular shopping and entertainment destination. Outside of work he’s a football coach.
Richard Harpin, owner, Business Leader / founder and chairman, Homeserve
Born in Huddersfield he describes himself as ‘a Northerner to the core’ and is best known as the founder of HomeServe. When he sold to Brookfield Infrastructure in January 2023, the company was worth £4.1bn. Harpin acquired Business Leader in 2023 with the aim of building a wide-ranging support platform and exclusive membership for founders and CEOs.
Dr Sally Harris, GP, HCA Medical
Harris is a highly-rated and experienced GP. She’s a GP at Roodlane Medical and The Wilmslow Hospital, both part of HCA Healthcare UK. She’s previously won the League Managers Association Special Recognition Award for her support of the LMA Wellness programmes.
Brian Hay, CEO, The Cardinal Partnership
Cardinal is the world’s largest employee-owned logistics business. Since it was launched in Eccles in 1998 with a £15,000 business loan, Cardinal has expanded into 40 offices, 6,000 clients and topped £500m in revenues. The company marked its 25th anniversary by joining the growing number of national employee-owned businesses, meaning every member of staff now gets to share in the profits that the company generates each year.
Julia Heap, principal and chief executive at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre
Heap started her career as an apprentice, becoming principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre in 2019. She’s a passionate supporter of Rochdale and is a former trustee of Springhill Hospice.
George and Mike Heaton, co-founders, Represent Clothing
Bolton brothers George and Michael Heaton are on a mission to build the best brand in the world. Today, Represent employs around 100 people and is fast approaching £100m turnover on the back of their products, which have been favoured by the likes of Dua Lipa and Justin Bieber.
Thom Hetherington, founder of Landing Light and Exec Chair of Easel Projects
Hetherington was one of the founders of Restaurant magazine and the 50 Best Restaurants in the World award. As founder of Landing Light he is a consultant, commentator and community builder in food and drink and art and culture in the North of England. He’s also a trustee of Manchester Art Gallery Trust and the Tim Bacon Foundation.
Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments at Eric Wright Group
Hirst joined Maple Grove Developments in June 2016 with a remit to develop public/private partnerships across the Eric Wright Group and progress development opportunities. She was previously development director for Salford City Council and Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company.
Matthew Hirst, CEO, ESG
Hirst was the mastermind behind the 2014 MBO of Utiligroup, backed by NorthEdge Capital. Chorley-headquartered Utiligroup was then acquired in a £100m deal by US private equity firm Accel-KKR’s services company ESG, which saw Utiligroup rebranded as ESG.
Andy Holt, owner. What More UK; chairman, Accrington Stanley FC
Businessman Andy Holt could best be described as the ‘reluctant football club owner’. He established What More UK in 1999 but stepped in to save his local football club Accrington Stanley, for the benefit of the local community. He’s invested millions of pounds in the club and has a reputation for straight-talking.
Ben Houchen, Metro Mayor, Tees Valley
Houchen – or Lord Houchen of High Leven to give him his full title – is the outspoken Conservative Tees Valley Mayor. He was first elected in 2017, being re-elected in 2021 and 2024. His primary role is to steer the work of Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Beth Houghton, partner, head of impact investing fund, Palatine Private Equity
Houghton wants private equity to be seen as a force for good. At Palatine’s head of impact investing fund she’s passionate about sustainable growth with a genuine commitment to the environment and society.
Steph Houghton MBE, ex-Manchester City and England footballer
Former captain of England Lionesses and Manchester City, Houghton retired in 2024 and was quickly inducted into the Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. She’s an active campaigner for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation which was founded by her husband Stephen Darby, and his friend Chris Rimmer. Stephen was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Chorley MP; speaker, House of Commons
The Chorley MP was elected as speaker in 2019 and has brought a touch of the North to the role. He became an MP in 1987 and is a big advocate for the Armed Forces. In 2023 he revealed his coat of arms included a rugby league ball, bees and Lancashire roses.
Mark Hughes MBE, group chief executive, The Growth Company
Hughes was appointed group chief executive of The Growth Company in 2013. Prior to this he was chief executive at the North West Regional Development Agency, and was awarded an MBE for services to business in the North West.
Jess Hunt & Jenna Meek, co-founders, REFY
Influencer Hunt joined Jenna Meek in launching REFY Beauty in 2020. She’s the creative director and has 1.7m followers on Instagram. Meek recently won the scaleup award in the 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year’s regional Northern final and proudly brought along her parents.
Sufyan Ismail, entrepreneur & philanthropist
Raised in Blackburn he went to The University of Manchester when he was 18 to study economics and corporate finance. After starting his career at Deloitte he set up a string of award-winning business ventures. He’s now focused on philanthropy, including humanitarian relief work, Islamic finance and Muslim community empowerment.
Simon Ismail, MD and co-founder, Salboy
North-West property developer Salboy is fully owned and operated by Simon Ismail and Fred Done. It’s behind some of the region’s highest profile developments but is increasingly looking international.
Zuber & Mohsin Issa CBE, EG Group, co-owners, Asda
In February 2021, the Issa brothers – Mohsin and Zuber – acquired Asda. Prior to that they were best known as being behind EG Group, a leading global petrol forecourt retail operator. The brothers were awarded CBEs in 2020 for his contribution to business and charity.
Phil Jones MBE, MD, Brother UK
Jones started as a fax salesperson at Brother UK in 1994, rising up the ranks to be appointed managing director in 2013. An accomplished public speaker he was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to business.
Prof Tim Jones, vice chancellor, University of Liverpool
Jones took up post as vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool at the start of 2023, having previously gained both his undergraduate degree and PhD at Liverpool. Jones is also chair of the Liverpool Health Partners Board and a member of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Business & Enterprise Board.
Ann Jordan Dean MBE, chair, Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership
Ann Jordan Dean has worked in her own PR and marketing business and been described as a ‘networker extraordinaire’. She’s been heavily involved in a variety of community projects around Lancashire.
Nisha Katona MBE, founder, Mowgli Street Food
Nisha Katona MBE was a successful barrister when she started Mowgli Street Food to preserve the ancient Bengali recipes. She opened her first restaurant in Liverpool five years ago and hasn’t looked back. The Mowgli Trust is a registered charity and has raised more than £2m.
Prof Louise Kenny, executive pro-vice chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool / chair Northern Health Science Alliance
Describes herself on her ‘X’ bio as a ‘mum, medic, academic’. Earlier this year the Northern Health Science Alliance appointed her as board chair. She spoke movingly about her father’s dementia and her own battle with breast cancer.

Northern Leaders 2024 – part 1

Phil Adams, head of global technology group & co-head UK and Europe corporate finance, Houlihan Lokey

Nazir Afzal, OBE, Chancellor, University of Manchester

Will Ainscough, executive chairman, Wain Homes

Prof Janice Allan, pro-vice chancellor, academic leadership, UCLan

Simon Arora, former CEO, B&M Retail

Liz Ashall-Payne, CEO/founder, ORCHA

Jennifer Atkinson, co-founder and executive chair, Travel Seen

Phil Beahon & Tom Beahon, co-founders, Castore

Andy Bell, founder, AJ Bell/chair of Applied Nutrition

Professor Erinma Bell MBE, CEO, Erinma Bell Ltd/community peace activist

Christine Bellamy, chief executive, Government Digital Service

Marion Bernard, chief investment officer, Northern Gritstone

Grant Berry, executive chair and co-founder, NorthEdge

Sir Michael Bibby, chairman, Bibby Group

Chris Bird, founder, Bird Consultancy / CEO, Raheem Sterling Foundation

Tom Bloxham MBE, chairman/founder, Urban Splash

Chris Boardman, cycling advocate

Edwin Booth CBE, executive chairman of EH Booth; trustee, Eden Project

Eamonn Boylan, former chief executive, Greater Manchester Combined Authority; interim chief executive, Manchester City Council

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

Jan Bramall, CFO, Manchester Airports Group (MAG)

Jordan Brompton, co-founder, myenergi

Andrew Brown, managing director, Crow Wood Health & Leisure Club

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor

Steve Byrne, CEO, Travel Counsellors

Hugh Campbell, managing partner/co-founder, GP Bullhound; Northern Tech Awards

Jamie Christon DL, CEO, Chester Zoo

Stephen Church, managing partner, EY

Rachel Clacher CBE, founder, Moneypenny

Stuart Clarke MBE, director, Leeds Digital Festival; founder, UK Tech Week

Steve Connor, founder/director, Creative Concern

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor

Paul Corcoran, CEO & founder, Agent

Lou Cordwell OBE, Professor of Innovation, University of Manchester; chair of GM Business Board (LEP)

Kathy Cowell OBE DL, group chairman, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Mark Crabtree OBE, founder & MD, AMS Neve

Councillor Bev Craig, leader, Manchester City Council

Bill Currie, founder, William Currie Investments

Roisin Currie, CEO, Greggs

Martin Currie, CEO, Citypress

Garth Dallas, Good Small Business Awards; chair, The Liverpool Commonwealth Association

Jordan Dargue & Helen Oldham, co-founders, Lifted Ventures

Hannah Davies, CEO, Northern Health Science Alliance

Sara Davies, founder, Crafter's Companion; BBC’s Dragon’s Den

Emma Degg MBE, chief executive, North West Business Leadership Team

Marcello Distefano, MD, San Carlo Restaurant Group

Fred & Peter Done, co-founders, Betfred; founder, Salboy and founder/MD, Peninsula UK respectively

Graham Donoghue, CEO, Forge Holiday Group

Alison Dunn, CEO, Citizens Advice Gateshead & executive director of Society Matters CIC

Sarah Dunning OBE, chair, Westmorland

Jon Dutton OBE, CEO, British Cycling

James Eden, CEO, Private White V.C.

Steph Edusei, CEO, St Oswalds Hospice; board member, North East England Chamber of Commerce

Dave Fishwick (Bank of Dave), founder, Burnley Savings and Loans

John Flint, chief executive, National Wealth Fund (formally UK Infrastructure Bank)

David Foreman, managing partner/co-founder, Praetura Ventures

Christy Foster, managing director, The Nursery Store (previously Online4Baby)

Paul Fox, group managing director, Fox Group

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, ex-cricketer and TV presenter

Lee Francis, CEO, RE:GEN Group

Professor Luke Georghiou, deputy president & deputy vice chancellor, University of Manchester

Daniel Gidney, CEO, Lancashire County Cricket Club

Andrew Gossage & Simon Showman, CEO/CCO, Ultimate Products

Andrew Graham, CEO, Graham & Brown

Andy Gregory, CEO, BGF

Heath & Kelly Groves, CEO/COO, Sundown Solutions

Richard Hagan, managing director, Crystal Doors

Marie Hamilton, Head of Microsoft NW

Steve Hare, CEO, Sage

Boyd Hargreaves, MD/owner, Loom Loft Furniture & Interiors

Richard Harpin, owner, Business Leader / founder and chairman, Homeserve

Dr Sally Harris, GP, HCA Medical

Brian Hay, CEO, The Cardinal Partnership

Julia Heap, principal and chief executive at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre

George and Mike Heaton, co-founders, Represent Clothing

Thom Hetherington, founder of Landing Light and Exec Chair of Easel Projects

Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments at Eric Wright Group

Matthew Hirst, CEO, ESG

Andy Holt, owner. What More UK; chairman, Accrington Stanley FC