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.
John Price – (Treasurer) Retired cost accountant (co-opted)
Raised in Batley and worked for many years in Dewsbury (now lives in Osset). Engineer, turned cost controller with the likes of Airbus and ending as a software consultant for financial processes. Brings familiarity with accounts and a sharp eye for cost control.
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.
Anis Dadu – Director XYZ Legal – commercial lawyer
Chief Executive of Dewsbury’s largest, rapidly expanding law firm. Investing in the town when others law firms are leaving. Brings legal understanding and commercial contacts. Local resident.
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.
Surraya Patel – Local school teacher
Active in several community groups. Brings a deep understanding of local issues and a strong commitment to youth development. Passionate about shaping the project to local needs. 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.
Ralph Pickering – Company Director & Land Manager (Fitzyork Estates) Runs locally a knitwear design studio, along with an antique business. CEO for a Yorkshire wide Healthcare Company. Trustee for the locally based youth organization “Sport Equality and Diversity Project”. Brings understanding of commercial relationships. Local Resident.
Natalie Liddle – Director WSA Arts
Vintage clothes seller and picture framer. DJ and events organiser. Former vintage shop owner. Brings marketing and events management skills. Local business owner.
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.