Greetings from your IoD Branch Chair
Hello Fellow IoD Members!
I’m delighted to introduce myself as your Branch Chair for Leicestershire & South East Midlands. I’m looking forward to connecting with as many of you as possible as we build a community of like-minded, influential, decision makers across our region. As we set out on this journey, I thought it’d be fitting to share a bit about who we are as branch team, and our vision for our region.
Meet Your Branch Ambassador Team
Our journey starts with our fantastic branch ambassadors. These remarkable individuals bring diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences to the table, and they share a passion for our region and the Institute of Directors. Together, we’re committed to making sure you, our members, have the best possible IoD experience.
Branch Chair and Ambassador for Governance & Policy
Craig Bentley, Director, Bentley Management & Consulting Ltd
Vice-Chair and Ambassador for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
Adrian Pryce, Associate Professor, University of Northampton
Ambassador for Skills and Employment
Gareth Thomas, Managing Director, Skills and Employment Support Ltd
Ambassador for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Mark Eydman, Founder, Six Pillars Consulting Ltd
Ambassador for Cyber & Security
Neil Campbell, Commercial Director, Risk Dashboard
Ambassador for Marketing, PR and Comms
Mark Smith, Founder of The Brand Strategy
Vision for Our Region
Now, let’s talk about the big picture. Our vision for the region is straightforward: to create a vibrant, connected, and impactful IoD community right here across Leicestershire and the South East Midlands. This vision is guided by a few core principles:
- Connecting Members – Virtually and In Person: We want to ensure that every member has ample opportunities to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. This means offering a dynamic blend of virtual and in-person events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Whether you prefer a casual coffee chat over Zoom or a lively discussion at a local meetup, we’re here to make it happen.
- Local Voice on Local and National Issues: Our region has its unique challenges, opportunities, and insights, and we want your voices to be heard. We’re dedicated to providing a platform for members to discuss and address both local and national issues that impact our business community. Your expertise and perspective matter, and we want to ensure they shape the discussions that influence our region’s future.
- A Seat at the Table in Local Decision-Making: We believe that IoD members should be at the forefront of local decision-making processes. We’re actively working to establish strong relationships with local government and organizations, ensuring that your views are represented and that we can collectively shape the region’s business landscape.
In the coming months, we’ll be rolling out an array of activities and initiatives designed to bring this vision to life. Keep an eye out for updates, invitations, and opportunities to engage with your fellow members.
We’re eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and feedback as we embark on this exciting journey together. Your active participation will be the driving force behind our region’s IoD success.
If you ever have any questions, suggestions, or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My door (or inbox, rather) is always open, and I can’t wait to connect with each and every one of you.
Here’s to a vibrant, thriving, and united IoD community in our region!
Warm regards,
IoD Branch Chair, Leicestershire and South East Midlands
