About the Board
The Arcade Board
‘The Arcade, Dewsbury’ steering group formed in October 2020 with the intention of taking a long lease on the Arcade from Kirklees Council when the refurbishment finishes. We believe such a partnership can give management focus and agility while maintaining the social aims of the Council.
We have brought together people with business experience, energy and imagination to create a popular Arcade that will never close again. An Arcade that will be a springboard for young entrepreneurs, be a mix of retail, activity and culture, work with other Dewsbury projects and keep the money local.
Left to right – Ralph Pickering, Rosalind Arden, Yunus Patel, Sarah Barnes, Chris Hill, Jackie Ramsay (Chair), Natalie Liddle, Peter Mason, Anis Dadu
In November 2023, we completed a successful community share issue gaining 200 shareholder members and raising £125,000 to see us through the start up phase of the business.
Every year in September, those members will elect the Board (one-member, one-vote) and determine its strategy, but we want members and volunteers to be regularly involved in the projects, events and policies of the Group.
Board Members
Jackie Ramsay – (Chair) Retired NHS Manager
Long and successful career in the NHS, first half of career as clinician and second half progressing to senior leadership roles. Active in the local community, supporting a range of volunteer groups. Previous local Councillor and Cabinet member for Adult Health and Social Care, along with chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board for Kirklees. Brings leadership skills.
Atony Oldham (Treasurer from Dec ’25). Director of Finance at Kirklees College. Previously an accountant with a longstanding interest in community regeneration
Graham Mitchell – 30+ years of experience in business startup, development, management and governance, spanning retail, marketing, and technology, with a strong focus and interest in the cooperative economy. Passionate about the potential for cooperative businesses like the Arcade Group, he is keen to use his skills and experience to help the organisation succeed and play a pivotal role in realising an ambitious vision of a vibrant and thriving Dewsbury town centre.
Andi Eccles – Works as a trainer in Leadership and Management in Business and brings 20 years of retail management experience with major brands. He lives in the centre of Dewsbury and is a regular volunteer in the Arcade Pop Up and organiser of events. He also serves on the Arcade Events Group.
Peter Mason – Director Mood Developments (Field House, Black Bull)
Extensive experience of property development, particularly of pubs, with a major heritage apartment refurbishment underway in Dewsbury at Field House. Brings strategic financial management skills.
Sarah Barnes – Director Barnes Field Pub Chain
Runs a chain of 6 pubs (including Dewsbury’s famous West Riding pub at the railway station). Brings business management and financial understanding. Local resident.
Yunus Patel – Executive Director YMG construction
Local housing and commercial builder / developer – private housing, education centres, mosques, hotels, etc. Brings building maintenance and business understanding. Local resident.
Rosalind Arden – self-employed meditation teacher (co-opted)
Born, raised and worked in Dewsbury. Career in property management, lettings, development and community involvement with local authorities and Housing Associations. 25 years as freelance trainer and counsellor. Active in local voluntary and community organisations. Brings management and community development experience.
Gabriel Schinnerl – Originally from Austria, now resident in West Yorkshire my home for over six years. Brings experience of leading award-winning, multi-million-pound construction projects with expertise in heritage building conservation, with particular focus on the care of historic structures. Offers project management experience, strategic oversight and support to practical delivery.
Chris Hill (Secretary and Development Director) – 20 years experience as a community business and property developer – previous projects managed include a community centre, conference venue, music venue, workspace and farm. Brings project, fundraising and financial management skills. Responsible for financial management until the appointment of Arcade Manager.