Doncaster launches Mayoral Business Advisory Group to shape the City’s economic future

The Group brings together 25 local business leaders to provide practical insight, guidance, and challenge on the city’s key economic priorities.

With over 70 applications received to join, the turnout highlights the strength of commitment from Doncaster’s business community. The inaugural meeting provided an opportunity for members to put faces to names, build trust, and begin shaping the priorities for Doncaster’s economy. Discussions focused on a range of issues, including city centre safety and vibrancy, access to finance for businesses, skills and workforce development, private investment, and the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Dan Fell said: "This is a group to do, not just talk. Part of our role is to prick bubbles, challenge groupthink, and bring different perspectives and networks to the table to help Doncaster thrive. This group will succeed or fail based on Ros and Council colleagues coming to us with the right topic at the right time, and we will offer our views and guidance to ensure decisions are informed by local business expertise. Our goal is simple: to provide insight, challenge, and support that helps make Doncaster an even better place to live, work, and do business."

Mayor Ros Jones added: “The work of this Business Advisory Group will be key in helping to inform local policy and decision making, and I look forward to working with the Group as we seek to drive continued economic growth and prosperity across Doncaster.”

The Mayor’s Business Advisory Group will continue to meet regularly, forming smaller working groups to tackle specific challenges and opportunities. By focusing on action and delivering practical guidance, the Group will ensure that Doncaster’s business voice is central to the city’s future economic success.

Membership of the Mayor’s Business Advisory Group is as follows:

• Dan Fell, Chief Executive Officer, Doncaster Chamber, and Chair
• Adrian Sullivan, Managing Director, Pass Logistics
• Amelia Banful, Head of Business Strategy, Enviro Electronics
• Andrew Offer, Director, 2Excel Aviation Limited
• Anne-Marie Marsden, Store Manager, Primark
• Dan Crew, Regional Managing Director, Keepmoat
• Dan Wood, Partner, Hawsons Chartered Accountants
• Dr Pretty Basra, Owner and Consultant Optometrist, Edwards and Walker Opticians
• Jason Barnsdale, Managing Director, Barnsdales
• John Duffy, CEO, Clean Power Hydrogen
• John Rees, Principal and Chief Executive, DN Colleges Group
• Lyndsey Parry, Centre Manager, Lakeside Village
• Mark Taylor, CEO, Automated Analytics
• Masud Rana, Director, El Boca Doncaster Ltd
• Melissa Kroger, Managing Director, Fenwood Estates Limited
• Michael Hird, Managing Director, Hird Group Ltd
• Paul Smith, Founder, MultiWebMarketing
• Rachel Harwood, Executive Director, Doncaster Racecourse
• Roy Shelton, Group Chief Executive, Connectus Business Solutions Limited
• Sam Robinson, Director, Aggregates R Us
• Sarah Daniel, Director, MOTIONrehab Limited
• Scott Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder, DigitalXRAID
• Steve Bradley, Director, NatWest Bank
• Steve Holt, Director, D Hub Systems Ltd
• Tom Grundy, CEO, Hybrid Air Vehicles