Join our board of directors

With 10 years of experience in international business, I have developed strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of cultural differences, and a proven track record of growing businesses. When I joined Woodland over 12 years ago, I launched and grew its fulfilment and distribution business from a startup to a thriving £24m operation. This experience, combined with my extensive network in the industry, has given me a deep understanding of the issues facing businesses in Doncaster and South Yorkshire. I am passionate about supporting the growth of the local economy, and I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.

Doncaster is at a pivotal point in its history, with the potential for significant growth and development. However, the city also faces some challenges, such as improving its transportation infrastructure, reducing business crime, and attracting and retaining talent. I believe that these challenges can be overcome through strategic planning and collaboration. As a NED, I would be committed to working with other businesses in the region to develop and implement solutions to these challenges. I am also passionate about sustainability, and I believe that Doncaster can become a leader in this area. My experience in growth, sustainability, and innovation would be valuable in helping the city to achieve its economic and environmental goals.

My background in global trade and business development, my experience setting up and growing businesses in Doncaster, and my extensive network in the industry equip me to make a significant contribution as a Non-Executive Director of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. I am passionate about supporting the growth of the local economy, and I am committed to upholding the Chamber's mission. I believe that my skills and experience would allow me to effectively bring topical issues on behalf of local companies to the attention of local and national government. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise and passion to this role and help Doncaster achieve its full potential.

I am a 55-year-old Doncaster born and bred Chartered Accountant with absolutely no plans to retire yet.

After leaving Lancaster University I joined a large regional practice. Having qualified with them I joined Smith Craven in 1994 and became a Partner in 2000. Since then, the practice has grown significantly. Going from 16 to 60 staff when we decided to join forces with Top 20 U.K. accountancy group Xeinadin last year.

I have been on the board of Doncaster Chamber for quite a few years, and its continuing success has and will always be close to my heart. I was fortunate to be President in its 75th year and see it become U.K. Chamber of the year shortly after. It is the focal point for Doncaster businesses to be able to come together which gives it a unique place in our City to speak on our behalf.

I am also Vice Chair of Finance for Enterprise, a responsible business loan funder, and have been a member of several business type boards over the last 20 years as well as a school governor.

I have always been involved in helping raise money for charity. This has included me going to jail for the day when I was Chair of Pro Doncaster for the AHS foundation, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Sheffield Children’s Hospital after my daughter’s successful scoliosis operation to now being a trustee of ALKay +ve. It is brilliant that this registered charity has raised over £70,000 in the last 18 months to fight this terrible form of cancer.

Given my time on the board it was important to me to get members to nominate me who aren’t directors so I would like to thank Adrian Welch (Glass & Glazing), The Crown Bawtry, Highfields , Sentry Doors Ltd & Doncaster Rovers (Club Doncaster) for doing so .

Please vote for me & let’s fly Doncaster City Airport soon!

Oh My Goodness, only seems like a year ago when I was elected as a Non-Executive Director to the Doncaster Chamber and not three years ago. So I feel I have only done half the job. Just to remind folks what I believe why people voted for me first time round. The width and depth of knowledge built up over 40 years of running successful businesses in food manufacturing, property development, catering and retail cover just about it. Doncaster is a great place to do business and we need to keep the investment in infrastructure, built environment and transportion at the forefront of our partners and stake holder’s minds. We also need to develop relationships with our partners in the South Yorkshire region. Which I intend to do.

Thanks to all of you, for taking the time to vote for me

I’ve been fortunate in my career to help several businesses grow and achieve their ambitions, helping define their strategy and raise investment to achieve that strategy. This has led to some proud moments like listing a company on the New York Stock Exchange and acquisition of target companies. However, I’m personally equally proud of helping business owners identify the right commercial strategies, improving business cashflows, successful commercial negotiations with customers, making improvements in the performance and culture of finance teams and helping improve efficiency of operations which have been the building blocks to larger success.

As someone who has worked both locally, nationally, and internationally I understand it’s an increasingly challenging and competitive environment for businesses to grow and achieve success. It’s therefore vitally important that we create the most favourable environment possible for businesses to thrive in Doncaster. This applies all the way from help and support for start-up and early-stage businesses, through to creating the best environment for larger businesses to invest in Doncaster as part of their operations. Creating a favourable environment covers everything from minimising red-tape to operate in Doncaster through to providing an educated and diverse workforce, including macro factors such as crime rates, traffic and access policies, infrastructure etc.

My experience in senior finance leadership roles provides a specific financial skill set which I believe would benefit Doncaster Chamber’s Board as a Non-executive Director. That financial skill set is well supported by commercial and operational experience, allowing me to apply knowledge to a variety of situations. My experience has been gained across a variety of industry sectors and in both SME and larger business environments helping me to understand the needs of a wide range of businesses in Doncaster. Furthermore, I have worked and lived both locally and in other parts of the UK and internationally giving me an insight into how others support businesses in their area.

Kurt Ewald Lindley, the found behind #BeMoreLnD, brings a rich tapestry of achievements, innovation, and community engagement to the forefront of his candidacy as a Non-executive Director on Doncaster Chamber's Board. His professional journey has been marked by key milestones and moments of pride, reflecting his commitment to education, businesses, and the betterment of Doncaster's economic landscape.

Throughout his career, Kurt has been a catalyst for positive change in the Learning and Development industry. Notable achievements include the development of the ASRI Model, a ground-breaking approach to learning design that has garnered international acclaim. His consultancy, #BeMoreLnD, has nurtured resilient business practices through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing his adaptability and innovation.

Kurt's active involvement in Doncaster Council's Education 2030 agenda, particularly in the areas of teacher recruitment, retention, and progression, stands as a testament to his commitment to quality education and community growth. His role as Chair of the CIMSPA advisory board for the sport and physical activity sector demonstrates his ability to shape local skills development strategies.

Kurt recognizes the vast potential in Doncaster's business landscape and the Chamber. The opportunities lie in fostering a thriving small business ecosystem, promoting innovation, and strengthening educational partnerships to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. Embracing digital transformation, especially in light of recent global events, is a pivotal challenge that Doncaster must address.

Challenges also encompass equitable economic growth, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all community members. Sustainable development and environmental considerations are key aspects of Doncaster's future, aligning with global trends towards responsible business practices.

Beneficial Contributions as a Non-executive Director - Kurt's extensive experience and connections position him as a valuable asset to Doncaster Chamber's Board. His deep understanding of learning principles and online delivery can facilitate innovative educational initiatives to address the skills gap and boost workforce capabilities. His active engagement with the small business community ensures that the Chamber remains in tune with the needs and challenges of local entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, Kurt's involvement in education can bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaborations that promote research, development, and knowledge exchange. His emphasis on wellness and community engagement aligns with Doncaster's social and economic goals.

I’ve had a business for over 15 years, running it alongside working in part-time employment
initially until I took the leap to go full time into my business just before the pandemic. I’m proud
to say that not only did I survive the pandemic, but I also managed to grow my business and
helped other businesses to survive and thrive too.

In that time I have been member of Doncaster Chamber on and off, I have seen many changes,
some good, some bad. My decision to stand as a Non-Exec Director is (let’s be honest) to work
alongside the decision makers of Doncaster businesses. But not just for me, for all Chamber
members and their businesses too.

I’ve always been passionate about seeing other people’s businesses grow, and if I can help in any
way I do. I enjoy networking and many times will find myself networking for others. To me, if I’ve
referred someone and the business goes ahead it make me feels good that I’ve been able to
assist.

I’m all about collaboration rather than competition – everyone is different, and people work in
different ways. There’s no such thing as one size fits all!
I enjoy being an active member of Doncaster’s business community of which it has a great
community, with many small businesses who work hard to deliver in their supply chains. I feel
there is some disconnect between small businesses and some of the larger players in Doncaster,
and I see Doncaster Chamber as a key facilitator for getting the decision makers for small, medium
and larger business talking to each other.

If I were to be elected on to the board, I see myself as a voice for the smaller businesses.

Whilst out and about networking and meeting people I seem to be a magnet to find out about their
struggles and challenges in the world of business, I absolutely thrive on finding a solution for them
or at least find someone who can assist. I’m often asked if I know someone / a business that
can…….

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would appreciate your vote, the rest is down to
you.

As a small business owner, I understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face when beginning to operate in Doncaster. Since 2019 I have worked with a range of local and national stakeholders to achieve sustainable growth and ensure that the business is profitable. I have built relationships with over 70 businesses operating in Sheffield City Region and I appreciate the immeasurable value that this holds.

Working with Doncaster Chamber over the last three years has provided me with guidance, support, and an opportunity to network and this has enabled the business to grow and impact local communities. This experience is something that I would like to share and champion, as Doncaster needs to continue to develop the entrepreneurial spirit and community of SMEs. 

There are a range of industries and sectors currently represented on the board however there isn’t currently a non-profit organisation, therefore I feel that I would be able to represent this sector and be a voice for many members across the city.

Across all sectors in the UK, including Doncaster, recruitment is proving to be a significant challenge right now. Many businesses are struggling to find suitable candidates capable of filling their outstanding vacancies. Harrison College focusses on employability therefore I can contribute positively to the LSIP and champion neurodiversity in the workplace to access talent pools that have been underutilised.

I am honoured to put myself forward for re-election as Non-Executive Director of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.

I had the privilege of serving as the President of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce during the term of 2019- 2021 and the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we faced unprecedented challenges and adapted to new norms Doncaster Chamber demonstrated unwavering support for our business community and I am proud to have been part of that team.

My journey as a small business owner starting with a laptop at the dining room table has equipped me with firsthand knowledge of the hurdles and opportunities that arise in the business world.  I have experienced the joys of growth, and the complexities that come with it over the past 11 years in business, and I am proud to say that Signum Facilities Management Ltd is a trusted partner for our clients across the region.  These experiences have not only sharpened my business acumen but have also given me a profound empathy for the needs and aspirations of our local entrepreneurs. 

Doncaster is a great place to do business. As a business owner I understand the importance of having a strong Chamber of Commerce who facilitates collaboration, provides practical support and advocates for the needs of our local businesses and wider communities.

I have a passion for advancing our community’s economic interests, raising the aspirations of our future workforces, and promoting Doncaster as a thriving business hub. If granted the opportunity, I will continue to contribute my time, energy, and expertise to support the Chamber in some of the following ways.

• To advocate for policies that benefit our members and the broader business community, ensuring that Doncaster remains a favourable place to do business.
• Networking and actively engaging with fellow members, fostering relationships and partnerships that can lead to new opportunities and growth for our businesses.
• Championing the innovation and the adoption of modern technologies to help our members thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Doncaster Chamber represents and supports all businesses in our community, but I am particularly passionate about championing the cause of small businesses, the entrepreneurs who are an important part of our local economy and I hope with your support that I can continue to do so.