James is a global economist at HSBC.
He joined the Economics team in 2013 and shares insights about the global economy with a wide range of clients as well as speaking at numerous events.
Aside from the day-to-day workings of the global economy, much of his work focuses on longer-term trends and themes, and the impact that they have on the economy and policy decisions today. This includes demographic data and trends, which extends to consumer trends, urbanisation and technology adoption.
Alexandra is the Head of Consultancy at Human Alchemy and the author of Intuitive Thinking: 7 Steps to Transform Your Life. With over 15 years of experience, she is a recognised expert in leadership, mindset, and behaviour change.
She is passionate about enabling transformative breakthroughs—those pivotal moments when people shift their thinking and unlock their true potential. Her work spans individuals, managers, and executive teams, blending coaching, high-impact communication, and data-driven insights to drive exceptional results. She is known for helping leaders and teams redefine mindsets, adopt innovative strategies, and implement tools that deliver meaningful, lasting change.
Alexandra’s approach ensures transformation, not just improvement, making her an in-demand consultant and speaker. Her book has been praised for its relatable, conversational style, while Human Alchemy’s programs under her leadership are lauded as among the best in leadership development. Alexandra empowers others to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Nicky has been at the helm of The Piece Hall since 2017, making this iconic building a world class visitor destination using heritage, trade and culture to help preserve this precious asset for generations to come. The organisation has been described as an exemplar business model and an example of “Levelling Up” in action.
Under her leadership an outstanding arts, culture and community events programme has been implemented including a deal with promoters to bring global music stars to The Piece Hall.
In 2024, Nicky launched The Piece Hall Academy. An umbrella project for a variety of schemes and courses to help train, educate, support and develop the next generation of creatives and broaden participation in the creative industries for underrepresented groups.
In 2023 Nicky was recognised with an MBE in King Charles’ first birthday honours list, she has been a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire since 2019, crowned Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year and was also awarded a place on the highly regarded Northern Power Women’s Power List. Nicky has also received the IOD Judges Special Award in recognition of her achievements.
Clare Thornton is Managing Director of Thornton Jones Solicitors which has it’s head office in Wakefield City Centre, plus 3 other offices in Ossett, Garforth and Sherburn-In-Elmet.
With a team of 55 people, Clare and her fellow directors have grown the firm from a small niche 8 people practice to the dynamic and vibrant organisation it is today
Clare is a string values based leader who passionately believes in empowering people to excel and has created leadership and aspiring leadership programmes within Thornton Jones to help develop the skills of her workforce to ensure the longevity of the firm into the future. She has many years of experience and looks forwards to sharing some of her insights with attendees at today’s conference.
Debbie Lee is the Employer Engagement Manager at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.
With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Debbie has a diverse background that spans teaching, assessing in further education, and managing a department dedicated to embedding employer engagement. She is committed to working with industry to close skills gaps and provide pipelines for students into work.
Her extensive experience and dedication to fostering strong relationships between education and industry has resulted in hundreds of students experiencing meaningful engagements, planned and executed by her team.
Regional Director for SME Business Banking at HSBC UK Bank plc, Greg leads a team who support businesses in achieving their growth aspirations.
Greg has a huge amount of experience in supporting businesses from start-ups to fast growth mid-corporates and PLCs utilising a host of different funding solutions. Throughout his career he has undertaken a variety of roles working directly with our clients as a Relationship Director, approving lending as a Credit Approver and more recently in Head Office and Leadership roles.
Claire Sutherley is the Managing Director of We Are Wakefield Ltd. a not-for-profit organisation run for the benefit of the members.
Claire has a wealth of experience in running SMEs within the Wakefield District and has worked within the local authority as an SME Business Growth Manager.
A distinguished leader with a career spanning public, private, and third sector roles, Sir John currently chairs Huddersfield Unlimited, an organisation dedicated to revitalizing Huddersfield’s economy and identity.
Under his leadership, the organisation has championed collaboration between business, academia, and public authorities to unlock over £1 Billion in investment for the town’s future.
Locally, Sir John chaired the Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL) for over two decades and founded the One Community Foundation for Kirklees.
Nationally, he has been a key figure in housing and environmental policy, serving as Senior Independent Director at both the National House Building Council and the Energy Saving Trust. He was a founding board member of the Environment Agency and served as its Chairman from 2000 to 2008, overseeing major reforms in flood risk and environmental protection during a pivotal time for climate change awareness.
From 2010 to 2019, he chaired the Institute for European Environmental Policy. Earlier in his career, he led Kirklees Metropolitan Council for 13 years and played a prominent role in local government at national and European levels.
A mathematics graduate from Manchester University, Sir John began his career in education. He lives in Rastrick with his wife Sue and is a devoted Huddersfield Town supporter.
With over a decade of experience in leadership roles, Jonny is a results-driven and customer-oriented professional.
His passion lies in constant self-improvement and empowering others to reach their full potential and excelling in identifying opportunities for enhancing organisations in alignment with their business goals and principles.
Lucy Newton is Economic Place Manager within the Economic Development and Regeneration Service at Wakefield Council, a role she has been in for 5 years. Lucy and her team are responsible for attracting inward investment into the Wakefield District and creating quality employment opportunity for residents. Lucy also looks after Wakefield’s key account businesses on behalf of the Local Authority. Lucy’s role is about working with partners and businesses and showcasing why Wakefield as a great place to do business!
Lucy is a passionate about people and places and is a recent graduate of the Institute of Place Marketing with a Post Graduate Diploma in Place Management.
After 30 years in high-growth businesses delivering results at a senior level, Gary knew he could use his skills to help SMEs. A straight-talking, no-nonsense Yorkshire man, he now helps ambitious business owners create more time, more money and more choice with a range of online and in-person programmes.
His passion comes from bitter experience. When he started his business in 2010 he was regularly at his desk in the early hours doing expenses and missing his son’s football matches just to keep on top of work. And the guilt that came with that situation was almost overwhelming.
Having turned around his business and his lifestyle as a result, Gary now runs three successful businesses and it’s this experience he uses to help other entrepreneurs stop feeling guilty, start earning what they are worth, and giving them the ability to make choices about how they spend their time. He creates the freedom to choose.
Gary is also Director and Head of Strategy and Partnerships for the Association of Business Mentors and sits on the Executive Team.
“The return on investment for me of working with Gary is going to be more than 30 times what we’ve spent.” Andrew Firth, Ascensor
Munir Mamujee MBE is the Director of m2r Education, a multi award winning Wakefield based provider of teaching and learning solutions.
His company offers a range of services including recruitment, tutoring, teacher training and English language courses, to local, national and international clients. Munir was awarded an MBE in 2022 for Services to Education and Export and is also a Department for Business and Trade Export Champion.
Sylvie Giangolini exemplifies exceptional leadership as MD at Hako Machines Ltd since 2012, following roles as Sales Director and Regional Sales Manager.
Her expertise spans change management, business restructuring, and people development. Sylvie champions internal promotions, fostering a culture of team empowerment and excellence.
By prioritising personal growth within her organisation, she inspires individuals to achieve their best, driving collective success and establishing a resilient, motivated workforce. Her leadership transforms challenges into opportunities for growth.
We are Wakefield Board member, The Alternative Board member, West Yorkshire Manufacturing.
Helen McDonald is a formidable force in West Yorkshire manufacturing and a true champion of sustainability. Starting her career at SoluPak Ltd as an operative in 2014, she steadily climbed the ranks, earning her place as Managing Director in 2024. Her leadership is defined by innovation, determination, and a commitment to environmentally responsible business practices.
As one of the driving forces behind SoluPak’s growth, Helen has championed the development of eco-responsible, pre-dosed cleaning and chemical solutions, revolutionising industry standards while reducing plastic waste and water consumption. Her vision continues to shape the future of sustainable manufacturing in the UK.
Beyond her role at SoluPak, Helen is a dedicated mother of three, and an influential figure within the local business community. As a Board Director at We Are Wakefield, she passionately supports businesses across the region, fostering collaboration and championing economic growth.
A powerhouse female leader, Helen’s unwavering dedication to both her industry and her community cements her reputation as an inspiring advocate for positive change. Her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of purpose-driven leadership
Matt Cooling is the founder of ThinkSustain, a strategic consultancy that helps companies get started with sustainability and embrace the net zero economy. He helps organisations to define what sustainability means for them, understand the opportunities it presents, and create clear, actionable strategies to support their journey.
Matt works with organisations of all sizes – from SMEs to multinationals – across sectors including real estate, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. His approach is both strategic and action-focused, ensuring plans deliver impact for the business, the environment, and society. Matt is also a carbon accounting specialist, supporting clients to measure emissions, develop Carbon Reduction Plans, and set net zero targets.
Before founding ThinkSustain, Matt held roles in technology consulting, business analysis, and innovation leadership. He holds a BSc from the University of Leeds, an MBA from Warwick Business School, and completed the Business Sustainability Management course at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.