David Kerfoot

Let’s face it we know better than Whitehall what those issues are and now we will have the power to spend on those local priorities.

An elected mayor will also mean we have a voice at the ‘top table’ to make the voice of North Yorkshire heard in the corridors of power - and of course an additional £540m of funding over 30 years is a big bonus.

Q What needs to happen for the new council to more deeply engage with the business sectors across such a large geography?

We need to ensure the Local Enterprise Partnership becomes part of the Combined Authority and drives both economic development and business engagement to a new level. It is a body with huge experience of the region and has added much value over the past 12 years to business engagement.

The geography is certainly large but with strong networks positive steps can be made to much deeper engagement and commitment from the council.

Here leading business leader David Kerfoot CBE speaks exclusively to TopicUK in a Q&A about the launch of a new North Yorkshire Council that will take over councils such as Scarborough, Ryedale and Harrogate – and aims to elevate the county’s brand and status. Horsforth-born Mr Kerfoot is Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and former chairman of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Among other key roles, he is chairman of the £20.2m Scarborough Town Deal.

Q Spring 2023 will see the biggest change since 1974 for North Yorkshire, with a more powerful unitary council instead of the two-tier system. What are the opportunities?

This is the opportunity of a lifetime for our coun ty. It’s about giving us the power to decide what the most important issues are for our communities and t argeting them.

Q What danger-spots does the new council's strategy need to avoid, or to plan ahead for?

In the current economic climate funding is going to be tight and it’s essential that our voice is heard by government … ensuring all parts of York and North Yorkshire are listened to whether it be rural, coast, town or city.

Moving forward on the long-term key issues such as affordable housing, internet coverage, bus services and connect ability must be tackled.

Q How can the new North Yorkshire set-up win the affection of people across such diverse, independent communities?

Simply deliver. Make the difference on the ground where it matters in our communities.

Q Can North Yorkshire carve out an influential and dynamic reputation for itself, on a par with York or parts of West Yorkshire?

York and North Yorkshire is a very special region with an unbelievable array of businesses and people who have great talent, entrepreneurial prowess and community spirit.

We do not need to compare ourselves with West Yorkshire because both regions are very different in makeup and for me both are dynamic in their own way.

It’s just a question of getting us into that ‘Premier Division’ where those areas are and that will be achieved by an elected mayor.

Q How can North Yorkshire Council engage with the young people of the county?

Some regions have young people’s councils which I think has some potential as a way of hearing their voice.

However, by ensuring there are facilities and infrastructure which are important to young people in place I think would make a difference in that engagement process.

Q The change will make steps towards wider Yorkshire devolution more possible. What would the benefits be of regional devolution and how would North Yorkshire fare in such a larger framework?

Let’s make this devolution deal a success before we even think about that possibility. One step at a time.

Q As chairman of the Scarborough Town Deal over the past five years, how do you see the regeneration prospects for Scarborough's future?

Scarborough and the coast are so important to the region. Given the current drive forward with the Town Deal regeneration prosp ects are good.

Within the new local authority set-up, I hope this effort will be continued to ensure Scarborough receives the investment to gro w and prosper.

This applies to all of the coastal region because it is such an integral part of the county.

Q What do you most like about living in and supporting the profile of North Yorkshire?

Tell me somewhere which is better in the UK! We have everything – dales, moors, coast, history and culture which makes it an outstanding place to live.

People not only want to visit North Yorkshire but work, play and invest here which makes it truly special.

I am not biased in any way at all but there really is ‘nowt like us!’