Member Article

Ward Hadaway Partner in Leeds joins board of 'life-changing' MAP charity

Ward Hadaway Partner Gareth Yates has joined the board of trustees for Leeds charity MAP, which is a pioneering alternative provider in creative education.

Gareth, who is a Partner at the law firm’s Leeds office, has been a commercial lawyer for over 18 years and has considerable expertise advising organisations in the private and public sectors on their day-to-day business requirements – with particular focus within the technology and digital sectors.

MAP (Music and Arts Production) Charity, which is based at Hope Foundry on Mabgate in Leeds, offers young people at risk of exclusion from the school system the chance to gain qualifications and practical experience in creative media, design, maths and English.

The charity is currently fundraising, with the support of the local authority and investors, to purchase and renovate the Grade II-listed Hope Foundry.

Gareth will be donating his time as a trustee to assist the charity to prepare for its acquisition and future occupation of the building as well as helping the charity with its ongoing development and fund-raising activities.

Gareth says: “I am delighted to be appointed as a trustee of MAP. It’s a hugely exciting and worthwhile project given Leeds’ growing reputation as a creative industries hub – as particularly evidenced by the recent decision by Channel 4 to open its new national headquarters in the city. I am looking forward to working closely with the other trustees and the management team and contributing to the good work that they do. It’s great to be able to use my legal knowledge and expertise to help a local organization at this interesting stage of its growth.” Gareth joins a number of other committed trustees who are working to fulfil the charity’s mission to support young people in the community with creative education.

The charity’s communications manager Raf Bogan, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Gareth on board as a trustee. Having him provide commercial input is invaluable for us and makes us feel confident that we will be able to deliver on our plans for the future security and growth of the charity. “Gareth has a clear understanding of our work and the young people we support and brings a fresh perspective to our governance. We look forward to working with him.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ward Hadaway .