Yorkshire Science

IanWilliams

Chief Executive, EEF Yorkshire and Humberside

Ian is currently the Executive Director of Policy and Representation with Leeds Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd. He joined the Chamber in 2001 at a time when it was going through a period of considerable change. His role with the Chamber is an extensive one and includes leading on such issues as Regulation and Red Tape, Business Crime, Transport, Property, and the Continued Development of the City. Ian is heavily involved in the Chambers partnership arrangements with the Leeds Initiative and is deputy chair of the Economy and Skills Partnership and a member of the Integrated Transport Partnership, the Cultural Partnership, as well as a number of others. He has recently become a member of Yorkshire Forward's Innovation and Science Council and also chaired the recent Leeds City Growth project.

In addition Ian has strategic responsibility for the international activities of the Chamber, the focus of which is to grow the levels of overseas business, increase inward investment, and raise the profile of the City on an international stage.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Ian worked for the Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) in Leeds. His role centred on improving local business performance and competitiveness as well as involvement in regeneration activities. As Head of Business Development, he was a member of the senior management team.

Before working with Leeds TEC, Ian was a Civil Servant and worked in a number of Government departments including the Health and Safety Executive, the Manpower Services Commission and ACAS.

Ian is divorced and lives on the outskirts of Leeds. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his daughters, walking, overseas travel and trying to enjoy watching Bradford City play football.