THE FORMER boss of North Yorkshire tea and confectionery firm, Bettys and Taylors, has been appointed regional chairman for the Institute for Family Business (IFB).

Jonathan Wild will head up the IFB’s work to support the sector regionally, through its Yorkshire Forum.

Mr Wild, who retired as CEO at Bettys and Taylors last year, after more than 30 years in the business, is the great nephew of its founder Frederick Belmont.

He said: “Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and all face similar challenges. IFB’s Yorkshire Forum will help family firms share their knowledge and improve performance to boost their prospects of business success.”

Grant Gordon, IFB director general, said: “We are delighted that Jonathan, as a member of one of Yorkshire’s long-established family firms, has become IFB regional chairman. Yorkshire has a significant family business presence and the IFB is committed to building a strong network to promote and support it through Jonathan’s leadership.”

The IFB’s member companies have a combined turnover of more than £50 billion.