A HARROGATE entrepreneur has been appointed as a new regional director for the Institute of Directors.

Natalie Sykes has taken the position with the Yorkshire IoD having formerly chaired the Young Director Forum.

An entrepreneur with her own business interests across property, hospitality, health and wellbeing and vintage motors, Ms Sykes is working towards the IoD’s Chartered Director status and is an ambassador for the IoD student membership and the Higher Level apprenticeship scheme.

She is also chairman of Groundwork North Yorkshire, vice chairman of Groundwork Pride and director of the Moor Park Estate, while working part-time at Ashville College developing their trading company in the areas of events and lettings.

Ms Sykes said: “I am passionate about business excellence, entrepreneurship, professional development, quality events, and, of course, my homeland, Yorkshire, this role is a great fit for many of my values.”

Ms Sykes’ role for Yorkshire IoD is part time and will see her work closely with chairman Peter Holmes.

He said of her appointment: “Natalie brings experience from sectors of our economy that complement our existing base and further strengthen our position as the go to business organisation in Yorkshire for directors in every aspect of the business world.”

Ms Sykes takes over from interim director Bernadette Cronin.