Holker Group announces new chairman as it strengthens its board
THE Holker Group has strengthened its Board with the appointment of Heather Hancock as non-executive chairman to work alongside The Hon Lucy Cavendish for the next three years.
The Holker Group embraces Holker Hall and Gardens, in Cark, near Grange-over-Sands; Cartmel Racecourse, Burlington Stone and the farming and property interests of the Holker Estate.
Mrs Hancock said she was delighted to be working with the Holker Group, as it focuses on growth within its established businesses, while looking ahead at new strategic opportunities.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to work with Lucy Cavendish on her ambitions for Holker and its enterprises, built around incredibly strong family and stewardship values.
“I am a huge believer in the potential in the rural economy. Holker’s family-owned, professionally run group of businesses have such a positive impact on rural employment and prospects, and in the life of the community,” she added.
Mrs Hancock, who lives in the Yorkshire Dales, is chairman of the Food Standards Agency, a non-exceutive director of Rural Solutions Ltd, and a former managing partner of Deloitte in the UK and Switzerland. She will also chair Holker’s Trustees.
Lucy Cavendish has directed the growth of the Holker Group since 2014, when she took over its leadership from her father; Lord Cavendish of Furness, DL. Since then she has continued its ongoing ethos of conscientious community investment while also prioritising long term sustainability.
Lucy welcomed Mrs Hancock to the role and expressed delight that the group had secured someone with such considerable experience.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Heather as chairman of the board, particularly as this is such an exciting time for the Holker Group and its business portfolio.
“Heather has a wealth of external experience. We are operating in an ever-changing economic environment and this appointment will add strength to the team, as well as allowing me to focus on the overall strategic and creative direction for our range of successful businesses.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Holker Group operates a range of businesses in south Cumbria including Holker Hall and Gardens, Cartmel Racecourse, Burlington Stone and leisure parks Old Park Wood and Longlands.
It is responsible for 17,000 acres of land and estate across south Cumbria, primarily located on the Cartmel Peninsula, near Grange-over-Sands.
Holker Hall is the historic seat of the Cavendish Family and is the home of The Hon Lucy Cavendish and her husband, Tor McLaren.
This press release is sent out on behalf of The Holker Group by 32West. For information or enquiries, please contact James Higgins on 07553 203234 or 01229 808306