Four Yorkshire-based business leaders have been named in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders, with a further five featured as Ones to Watch.
Examples from across the region include Lou Ellis-Frankland, CEO of Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard – a 160-year-old manufacturer that is now on a mission to become the best employer in the region, and Matt Travis, managing director of Sheffield-based environmental consultancy Enzygo, which advises clients such as Hill Group, Whitbread and Park Holidays.
They were recognised at a celebratory event at BAFTA in London, where the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leader was revealed, alongside several category award winners.
Mike Brennan of Halifax-based Outdo was handed The Resilience Award, which recognises a leader who has demonstrated exceptional perseverance, grit and adaptability, driving their businesses forward – even in the toughest of times. Mike was recognised for his courage in the face of immense personal challenges.
After losing two of his young children, he channelled his experience into becoming a trustee of a children’s hospice before returning to business. Since then, he has grown Halifax-based Outdo into a company that manages 30,000 outdoor media sites nationwide and remains focused on building the UK’s largest outdoor advertising company outside London.
Lee Brooks, co-founder and CEO of South Kirby-based Production Park, took home The Innovation Award. Lee was recognised for transforming South Kirkby into a global hub for live entertainment.
Some of the world’s biggest artists, from Beyoncé to Coldplay, go there to create, rehearse and perform, and its facilities have been highlighted by the government as a national model for regional creative growth. This year the business is on track to reach £30m in revenue.
Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire in LDC, said: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we’ve had the honour of meeting some exceptional business leaders.
“This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large.
“I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”
The Yorkshire-based business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 are: Mike Brennan – Outdo, Lee Brooks – Production Park, Matt Travis – Enzygo, and Lou Ellis-Frankland – Mansfield Pollard.
The Yorkshire-based business leaders named as Ones to Watch are: Jamie Toyne – Herd Consulting, Kathryn Brown – Rubicon Bridge, Matthew Dunne – Despatch Cloud, Pete Mills – Crysp, and Thomas William Dunning – Ad Signal.
Matt Travis, managing director, Enzygo, said: “Securing a place as one of Britain’s top 50 entrepreneurs is an incredible honour and one that would not be possible without the incredible hard work and dedication of the entire Enzygo team.
“Over the past three years, we’ve set ourselves some bold targets, successfully delivering significant year-on-year growth, as well as expanding our regional network. However, I also recognised that business success shouldn’t be simply judged on headline turnover and profitability figures but on the way it plays a role in making a positive contribution to society.
“As environmental specialists, we have made a commitment, and we are on course to significantly reduce our carbon emissions across the business. We also recognised that our area of work is a highly specialised field, and we are actively investing back into the communities we serve by working with schools, helping to equip and inspire the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in their future careers.”
