Our very own Managing Director, David Hartley, has been chosen as one of the Faces of a Vibrant Economy 2018!

David Hartley, MD of the Wensleydale Creamery,  has today been named as one of Grant Thornton’s 2018 Faces of the Vibrant Economy.

As part of Grant Thornton’s commitment to shaping a vibrant economy in the UK, each year the firm identifies and brings together 100 progressive leaders across private, public and third sectors that demonstrate excellence in two or more of the following areas:

• Growth – fostering a culture of growth, job creation and leading their organisation into new markets
• Innovation – solving problems, leaders whose products or services are disrupting the sector and challenging the status quo
• Purpose – investing in their workforce, connecting financial profit to social purpose and contributing to the wider community

The Faces of a Vibrant Economy are selected from across the UK and represent diverse sectors and industries. Among them are business leaders, entrepreneurs, local government innovators and third sector trailblazers – recognised for their commitment to developing an economy that enables people, organisations and communities to flourish.

The Wensleydale Creamery, based at Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is renowned for its traditional cheese-making skills, as well as being innovative with the development of new cheese and dairy products.

With a turnover of £29million, the business plays a vital economic role in the deeply rural area in which it is situated, contributing £14m to the local economy through milk payments, wages and purchases.

At the forefront of business innovation and, going above and beyond to accommodate its visitors to give them an unforgettable experience, the Creamery has managed to successfully combine a fully operational dairy with one of the most recognisable and beloved tourist destinations in the North of England, attracting 300,000 domestic and international visitors annually to its Visitor Centre.

Sacha Romanovitch, CEO at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:

“At Grant Thornton, we know that doing well by doing good makes business sense and believe that leaders embracing this ethos deserve to be championed. That’s why we launched the Faces campaign – to celebrate individuals who exemplify the Vibrant Economy movement, which aims to shape an environment where people, organisations and communities thrive.

“From jet aircraft manufacturers, farmers, local government leaders dance school principals; our Faces share the same commitment to make a positive impact. For many of these leaders, clear purpose is the North Star, helping them to navigate and make the right decisions in the longer term. Being purpose-led in this way involves a fundamental mind-set shift from ‘what I can do’, towards ‘what we collectively can do’.

“By celebrating these remarkable leaders, we recognise their role in developing a more purposeful and innovative business environment. They show us how business can be done through ‘human’ leadership which nurtures talent. They provide examples to inspire other business leaders and the next generation to shape a Vibrant Economy. They demonstrate that profits with purpose lead to sustainable business, and show us that it’s not only possible, but also necessary, to do well by doing good.

“The 2018 Faces have become part of a wider community that is now 300-strong. The community connects leaders with similar mind-sets and missions, who may otherwise never meet. It gives an opportunity to share ideas and insights, as well as learn from each other.

“We firmly believe that collaboration can also enthuse and assist the next generation. It’s why we are creating links between the Faces community and our Schools Enterprise Programme, to develop financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills in support of the Key Stage 3 curriculum. We also recently piloted an event for year 12 students, working with Faces and people from our own business to challenge the way young people see their role in the community and provide inspiration about how they can start building a career that truly contributes to a shaping an economy where everyone benefits.”

David Hartley, Managing Director at The Wensleydale Creamery, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as one of the Faces of a Vibrant Economy 2018. It’s great to see Grant Thornton taking initiative and helping the business community in the UK thrive and flourish by facilitating interaction and cooperation.

“It will be great to connect with other like-minded leaders, to share ideas and insights to continue the development of the business community in the UK. I believe that in business it is vital to stay focused and decisive, remain loyal to your values and nurture the best team possible, empowering colleagues at every opportunity.”

The profiles of the 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy, are available on the campaign website.