ENTREPRENEUR Natalie Sykes has been appointed regional director of the North East branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD).

She is also regional director in Yorkshire and the Humber, a role to which she was appointed in May 2014.

The Harrogate-based entrepreneur has business interests across property, supercars, health and wellbeing. She is chair of sustainable community initiative Groundwork North Yorkshire, board member of YABA and a director of a prestigious estate in North Yorkshire.

Ms Sykes is a strong advocate of professional development and lifelong learning and an ambassador for IoD Student Membership and the National Apprenticeship Scheme.

She was previously chairman of the IoD’s Young Directors for Yorkshire and the Humber, a judge for their prestigious Director of the Year Awards and sat on the national Membership Committee.

Ms Sykes, said: “I am passionate about growing businesses and entrepreneurship in the North. Through my role with the IoD I want to encourage professionals young and not so young to take advantage of our membership benefits, director development and excellent events. Together we can help each other and drive regional prosperity.”

She will work closely with the IoD’s North East chair Graeme Robb, owner of Darlington-based Recognition PR.

He said: "Natalie has shown in Yorkshire and the Humber that she is passionate about strengthening our position as a business organisation that can help directors grow their business and share best practice.”