Mid Yorkshire Chamber Announces Appointment of New Chair

Feb 3, 2026

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that local business leader Jason McCartney has agreed to become its next Chair.

Jason joins the new look leadership team this month hot on the heels of Neil Kendall who’s recently taken over as CEO.

Neil Kendall said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason to the Board — a well-respected, well-connected and passionately local leader.  I’m really looking forward to working with him, alongside our impressive board and team, as we stay focused on strengthening local businesses and building the regional economy: an exciting step as we continue transforming the Chamber ahead of our 175th anniversary in 2028”.

Jason brings a wealth of experience including from his current roles as Group CEO for a group of local engineering and manufacturing businesses and as Founder and CEO of Innovate Yorkshire. Jason was formerly Member of Parliament for Colne Valley serving in the Levelling Up Department, he’s on the Corporate Action Board for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and he’s a Huddersfield Town season ticket holder. 

With deep local roots, the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the area’s longest-established Chamber. It serves and supports hundreds of local businesses across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

Mid Yorkshire Chamber exists to lead, champion, and future-proof industry in Mid Yorkshire, helping to turn the strength of our businesses into lasting regional prosperity.

Jason McCartney said: “This is an exciting time for the Mid Yorks Chamber and I’m looking forward to Chairing the Board to support our excellent new CEO Neil, our board members and all the team. As Group CEO for a group of local engineering and manufacturing companies I know the super support the Chamber gives us with exporting, HR and much more. We have so many fantastic businesses and organisations in our beautiful part of Yorkshire and I’m passionate about helping them grow, connect and relish the challenges we are all facing right now. Together we are stronger.”

Please join us in welcoming Jason to the board at our Meet the Team: New Faces, Big Ideas and How to Maximise Your Membership event at the Manor House Lindley on 4th March.

This inspiring event will bring together members, partners and stakeholders to mark the appointment of our new Chair and the next chapter for the organisation. Guests will have the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and hear first-hand about the Chair’s vision for supporting local businesses and driving growth across the region.

It promises to be a warm welcome, a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved, and an energising look ahead to what’s next.

Link to event: https://my-chamber.co.uk/event/meet-the-team-new-faces-big-ideas-and-how-to-maximise-your-membership/

Image caption (left to right): Jason McCartney (Chairman), Neil Kendall (CEO) and Emma Sinfield (Membership, Marketing & Events Exec)

Talking Points: Inflation and the Need for Coordinated Action

Talking Points: Inflation and the Need for Coordinated Action

The Bank of England has today left interest rates unchanged amid continued global uncertainty. As has so often been the case recently, there was a significant divergence in views around the MPC table - itself a testament to the uncertainty surrounding the economy and...

read more
Say ‘I do’ to getting your side hustle tax right

Say ‘I do’ to getting your side hustle tax right

Wedding season is here – and so is a reminder that income from side hustles may be taxable Anyone earning more than £1,000 may need to register for Self Assessment and declare their income to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) A free online tool can help people earning...

read more

Our Patrons