A NORTH YORKSHIRE business leader has taken a new role as a part of shake-up at the Federation of Small Buisnesses.

Richard Askew, of Scarborough, has been appointed as Regional Policy representative who will lead members on local grassroots campaigning in Yorkshire and the North East.

The restructure of the FSB will see a renewed focus on collective campaigning, both from a national and grassroots perspective across 12 major areas of the UK.

Mr Askew, pictured, said: “The role will allow me to support members to campaign on the issues which really matter to small businesses in Yorkshire and the North East.

“I am looking forward to working in this key role and want to ensure that the voice of small businesses across Yorkshire and the North East is heard.

“Matters such as devolution, skills, business rates, access to markets; both in this country and internationally, business support and late payment are all set to feature prominently in my work.”