Six local business and industry representatives have been appointed as new Deputy Lieutenants of West Yorkshire.
Local businesswoman and managing director of Approach PR in Ilkley, Suzanne Watson, joins Kuldip Bharj OBE, Roohi Collins, Adeeba Malik CBE, John Robins QPM and Roger Thomas QC as the latest appointed Deputy Lieutenants for the county.
Kuldip Bharj OBE has had a career in the NHS and academia and is an active promoter of inter-faith working; Roohi Collins is a retired partner with a leading firm of solicitors, a trustee of Leeds Community Foundation and a governor at Leeds Trinity University; Adeeba Malik CBE is Deputy CEO of the QED Foundation and advises Government on economic and social inclusion; John Robins QPM is Chief Constable of West Yorkshire and Roger Thomas QC who was the Honorary Recorder of Bradford 2012-17 and has recently retired after 18 years as a Circuit Judge.
Deputy Lieutenants are assigned by Ed Anderson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his role as The Queen’s representative supporting faith, voluntary, social and business activities across the area.
The position will require all new Deputy Lieutenants to undertake a variety of duties including attending events, suggesting nominations for national honours, promoting the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and encouraging businesses to apply for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
A businesswoman in the Bradford district for more than 21 years, Suzanne has been recognised with several awards including Inspirational Woman of the Year, Graduate Employer of the Year, Business Woman of the Year and Business Personality of the Year. Alongside running Approach from its office in Ilkley, Suzanne is on the board of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, on the board governors at Bradford Grammar School, a trustee of the National Eczema Society and a Yorkshire Champion, speaking passionately on radio, television and in the online and print media about her areas of expertise.
Appointed in recognition of her role in the business community, for her volunteering work in education and charity and as former president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne said: “It truly is an honour to be chosen for this role and I’m looking forward to working alongside some incredibly inspiring individuals in representing our district and county.
“It’s a challenging time for all areas of the community from voluntary to business and as a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire I will make the very best of the opportunity to use my life and business experience to support, encourage and represent the people of our wonderful county.”
Kuldip Bharj OBE, from Leeds, a senior academic with over forty years engagement in midwifery spanning education, research and practice, has held several board level appointments in the public sector and has been dedicated to excellence in the provision of midwifery education and practice and has successfully led on issues of equal opportunities with an ability to facilitate the generation of culturally sensitive and appropriate healthcare. She said: “I was humbled and at the same time honoured to be appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire. I am thrilled to undertake this role and I am encouraged to have been provided with this exciting opportunity to continue my commitment to work with communities and make a difference to the community and society as a whole, during these challenging times.”
