This article was first published by Up for Yorkshire.
Keir Mather MP has joined the Business Panel of Selby Connected, strengthening collaboration between local businesses, community organisations and the public sector to drive opportunities across Selby and its surrounding villages.
The Selby MP joined representatives from Selby Connected, Drax and Up for Yorkshire at an open day at The Skylark Centre, where community groups, charities and voluntary organisations were invited to discover how they can access the facility free of charge.
Selby Connected is a partnership led by Selby-based organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors. It brings together businesses, charities, community organisations and public sector partners to identify local priorities and turn conversations into practical action.
Mather’s appointment to the Business Panel adds further political engagement to the partnership, which has already established advisory committees and built a growing network of organisations committed to improving opportunities across the Selby area.
The Open Day at The Skylark Centre provided a tangible example of this approach in action. Research and conversations with local organisations have consistently highlighted a need for more accessible community space. Through Selby Connected, Drax and Up for Yorkshire identified an opportunity to make The Skylark Centre available free of charge to charities and community groups.
Located just outside Selby in the heart of a nature reserve, The Skylark Centre offers flexible indoor meeting space with kitchen facilities, accessible amenities and surrounding woodland walks. The facility can be used for meetings, workshops and training sessions.
Tom Meares, Head of Community Development at Up for Yorkshire, said:
“Selby Connected is all about bringing organisations together to solve challenges that no single organisation can tackle alone. Keir’s involvement in the Business Panel will further strengthen that collaborative approach, and The Skylark Centre is a great tangible example of what the partnership can achieve.
“As an organisation that already runs a number of community spaces, it’s fantastic to be working with Drax to enable more groups to use The Skylark Centre and nature reserve.”
Nick Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at Drax, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Keir Mather to the Selby Connected Business Panel. His involvement will help strengthen the partnership’s ability to bring together local organisations and identify practical ways to support communities across the area.
“The Skylark Centre is a fantastic community asset, and through Selby Connected we’ve been able to better understand what local groups need and respond in a practical way. We hope many organisations will make use of the space and the opportunities it offers.”
Following a tour of the facilities, Keir Mather MP said:
“It’s vital that our local voluntary sector works closely with local businesses to support communities. I’m pleased to be joining the Selby Connected Business Panel and it was great to see that partnership in action today.”
Selby Connected was established to strengthen collaboration between businesses, charities, community organisations and the public sector, helping align investment and expertise with priorities identified by local communities.
Community groups and charities interested in using The Skylark Centre can find out more by contacting Up for Yorkshire at [email protected].
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Business Panel members of Selby Connected:
- Drax
- Up for Yorkshire
- York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
- North Yorkshire Council
- Altrad
- BAM UK
- Aviva
- GXO
- Smailes Goldie
- Better Connect
- Active North Yorkshire
Advisory Committee members of Selby Connected are:
- Heart of Yorkshire
- Skills Network
- YNY Careers Hub
- Crombie Wilkinson
- Energy Doctor
- Selby Abbey
- Dransfield
- Yorkshire Building Society
- Selby PCN
- Better Connect
- Drax
- Up For Yorkshire
- North Yorkshire Council
- Smailes Goldie
