Mayor of Doncaster
Ros Jones has been Mayor of Doncaster since 2013, having been elected for a third term in 2021.
A lifelong Doncaster resident and qualified Chartered Public Finance Accountant, Ros worked in both the public and private sector during her career before being elected as a borough Councillor in 2006 and becoming Chair of Council and Chair of Audit. Ros is currently a member of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Since becoming elected Mayor, Ros has led Doncaster Council out of Government intervention early, and introduced wide ranging improvements, including successful policies to support the local economy, job creation, public and private sector housing developments, and education improvements.
In 2017 Ros was awarded a CBE for services to Local Government.
When standing for re-election in 2021, she pledged to lead Doncaster with its recovery from Coronavirus, to create a safer, stronger, cleaner and greener Doncaster, where no one is left behind.
The number one priority of Mayor Ros Jones is to save and reopen the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport which owners Peel Group closed in late 2022. City of Doncaster Council has now signed a 125-year lease for the airport site and is currently in the final stages of a procurement process to appoint an airport operator.
Doncaster is on a journey. Once the home of the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman and the base of the Vulcan bomber, the borough is now the home of Hitachi Rail, fitting our Azuma trains, and to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which is one of the UK’s biggest and best visitor attractions.
Chief Executive, City of Doncaster Council
Damian is City of Doncaster Council’s Chief Executive. Prior to this, he held the Council’s statutory Chief Officer role for Children (DCS) and Adults (DASS).
In 2022, Doncaster became the North’s newest City. Damian has pioneered designing and developing Regenerative approaches across ‘Team Doncaster’. This resulted in the Mayor’s publication of her 10 year borough strategy ‘Doncaster Delivering Together’ in 2021, with its mission of ‘Thriving People, Places and Planet’.
Damian’s focus is on supporting the Mayor’s ‘Great 8 Priorities, which includes, driving investment, making Doncaster the best place do business and create good jobs, developing the skills to thrive in life and work, and building transport and digital connections fit for the future.
Service Director for Economy and Development, City of Doncaster Council
Scott leads numerous teams spanning Development Management, Planning Policy, Built and Natural Environment, Inward Investment, Business Enterprise and support, Destination Management, Town Centre Management, Major Regeneration and Transport Infrastructure Projects, Strategic Assets Management, Facilities Management, Buildings Maintenance, and Design.
Scott has over 30 years experience in local government and has held senior management positions for Change Management, Equalities, Planning Services, Strategic Housing, Corporate Policy and Performance Management. Scott is also a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Scott is very passionate about driving our economy forward and play’s an active role within Strategic Partnerships in Doncaster, the Sheffield City Region and national forums.
Head of Strategic Investment and External Funding, City of Doncaster Council
Jonny is the Council’s Head of Strategic Investment and External Funding. His role covers the delivery of Government Programmes including Town Deals for Doncaster and Stainforth and Levelling Up Fund Round 1, as well as developing the annual strategic investment plan for Doncaster. Jonny is currently leading the development of a new city centre strategy which will set a new 2050 vision for the role the city centre will play as well as how this will be delivered spatially, along with setting the direction for delivery of future government programmes; Levelling Up Partnership and Long-Term Plan for Towns.
Jonny played an integral role in the development of South Yorkshire’s current devolution deal and more recently has led the development of the Investment Zone designation, and delivery, across Doncaster.
Head of Business Doncaster
Chris is an Economic Development professional with 20 years experience.
His role is to manage the Business Doncaster Economic Development service area within the City of Doncaster Council with responsibility for attracting new inward investment into Doncaster, helping existing Doncaster businesses grow, destination marketing and tourism including Doncaster Town Centre, Employment and Enterprise initiatives and promoting and being a proud Doncaster Ambassador.
Investment Team Manager, Business Doncaster
Alex manages the Investment Team at Business Doncaster, Doncaster Council’s Economic Development arm. Acting as a front door for commercial developers and investors, the Investment Team is responsible for attracting inward investment into Doncaster, supporting indigenous business growth, and promoting Doncaster as the best place to live, work and invest in.
Passionate about economic development and making a difference to local communities, Alex has been in local government for nine years having entered the sector through the Local Government Association’s National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP). Before working at Business Doncaster, Alex held a joint post with City of York Council and York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Sector Growth and Investment Team Leader, Business Doncaster
Victoria is the Sector Growth and Investment Team Leader at Business Doncaster, Doncaster Council’s Economic Development department. We aim to attract inward investment into Doncaster as well as supporting existing businesses to develop and prosper.
Victoria has over 15 years’ experience in the private sector in a variety of supply chain roles and joined City of Doncaster Council 3 years ago to help shape her home city.
Business Engagement Officer, Business Doncaster
Ian is the Business Engagement Officer at Business Doncaster. The role involves a variety of work including dealing with inward investors, developers, commercial agents and indigenous businesses to offer whatever support they require.
With nearly 40 years of experience in economic development, Ian has built excellent working relationships with many individuals and businesses. Over recent years, he has been the lead officer in delivering all of the City of Doncaster Council’s Meet the Buyer & Supplier Engagement events. Through is work with the construction sector, Ian organises the Doncaster Property Forum, one of the regions best attended development networking events. Born and bred in Doncaster, Ian is very passionate about his home city and helping local business and extolling the principles of buy local wherever possible.
When: May 21st, 11:00 – 12:00
Where: SCAPE Public Sector Stage, Royal Armouries
Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring leaders from local authorities and businesses, as we explore strategies, challenges, and opportunities shaping the region’s positive trajectory towards good growth. Gain insights, share perspectives, and be part of shaping the South Yorkshire’s prosperous future.
Speakers include:
When: May 22nd, 15:00 – 16:00
Where: South Yorkshire Stand E40/E44, New Dock Exhibition Hall
As the newest city in the North of England, we are not afraid to do things differently here in Doncaster. We are ambitious, forward thinking and passionate about our place. We have the location, connectivity, people and a prime investment portfolio. Doncaster is THE place to do business, and we pride ourselves on taking a proactive and enabling approach to development. With a central ambition to enable thriving people, places and planet, come and talk to us about how we can realise trailblazing opportunities together.
Attendees include:
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