Five months into the Leeds City Region Supply Chain Programme, the supply chain team has welcomed three new full-time members: Harry Govan; Ian Rhodes and Patrick Loye, and three part-time: John McSweeney; Steve Goodare and Kath Baker. Meet the team here:
Harry Govan – Compliance Officer
Harry joins full-time as compliance officer to ensure the Supply Chain Programme adheres to all regulations and requirements, set out by European Regional Development Funding body (ERDF) who funds the programme and its business grants, as well as ensuring adherence to regulations and requirements set by the University of Huddersfield, who runs it. Harry has over 30 years’ experience working in the UK and overseas on grant funded projects, both in construction and business development and support.
Supply Chain Advisors
The Supply Chain Advisors are tasked with connecting with SMEs across the Leeds City Region and ascertaining whether a company is eligible for the programme. They then create action plans for companies and can arrange for a 50% matched grant of up £6,000.
• Ian Rhodes
Ian’s background is in the manufacturing sector, specifically production and operations engineering, and general factory management. Ian has a wealth of experience supporting a wide range of organisations including start-ups and SMEs across the UK and overseas.
• Patrick Loye
Patrick has 20 years’ experience in account management, both in the public and private sector. Patrick is well known across the Leeds City Region, both within the Local Authorities and the LEP, and has delivered and managed many public sector funded programmes for the benefit of SMEs across the Leeds City Region.
• John McSweeney
Having spent 30 years in the textile industry, 17 of which he ran his own business, John has spent the past 12 years in business support, co-founding successful business support organisation, Innovate Now and from 2013 as a freelance business consultant and innovation coach.
• Steve Goodare
After over 30 years working in the private sector, Steve joined the Manufacturing Advisory Service before establishing his own consultancy business, where he gained 10 years’ experience working with manufacturers on national and local business support programmes. Alongside his work with the LCR Supply Chain Programme, Steve is also a Growth Specialist for the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.
• Kath Baker
Kath’s background is in human resource management, people management and training.
