The Power List 2015

Once again it has been compiled by an independent panel and is by no means scientific.

Instead panel members keep their ears to the ground and see what’s happening around the borough and beyond.

Then they tell us who they think is making an impact on the borough and why.

You’ll find names both old and new among this year’s selection and some fresh roles too as people and organisations have branched out or diversified to weather the economic climate or broaden their horizons.

And with the general election just months away it’s perhaps no surprise a number of political heavy weights feature high up on the list.

In our top ten alone there are a diverse mix of big hitters holding senior positions in government, the media, the music business and a new entry from the rail industry.

Meanwhile, people who have long worked hard to support education, sport and local business have been recognised for their valuable contributions.

Chris Burton, editor in-chief of South Yorkshire Newspapers, said: “One thing the power list is sure to do is provoke debate and perhaps even argument. Because what is being presented here is not a “rich list” or anything as measurable as that, it is rather the considered view of an independent panel as to who carries the most influence in the town.

“Clearly, influence can mean many different things. Is it the size of the budget available to a given person? Is it the political clout a person carries in town? Or, moving right up to date, is it the number of people a person can reach through social media such as Twitter?

“Although many of the names remain the same from last year, there are some surprises. And I’m particularly interested to see what people think of a certain entry from the pop music world.”

“The panel, as always, was made up of respected members of the community and the resulting list is their view on how things stand in the town.

“Whatever you think of the choices the panel have made, it’s clear that the people in this list have a lot of responsibility in one way or another to the town.

“I hope that people will enjoy reading it, and that it does provoke a healthy debate while putting Doncaster where it deserves to be – in the spotlight.”

Tourism in particular has made its mark in the last year, with the number of tourists flocking to Doncaster increasing for the fourth consecutive year, bucking national trends.

In 2013-14, 1.4million people visited Doncaster’s many tourist attractions, an increase of 14.6 per cent from last year.

One of the major events which contributed to this boost was the St Leger Festival.

Plans for this September’s festival are already underway and is again expected to generate millions of pounds for Doncaster.

Other major developments like the Finningley And Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) is progressing well.

The multi-million pound scheme that is currently underway will see a link road built to the airport and the construction of an inland rail port that will create thousands of jobs.

All of this ensures that Doncaster’s economic progress has a chance of continuing in 2015. But for now let’s celebrate the people who helped to make 2014 a success.

50. Paul Kantecki, (NEW)

Managing director of Centurion Europe Mr Kantecki’s company that specialises in supplying tools, hardware and DIY products both in the UK and globally.

The award winning company, established in 1984, is growing from strength to strength. and has developed into much more than a wholesaler.

As well as providing a stellar service to its customers the company also has an active Community, Social and Environmental Responsibility programme working with locals sports clubs Doncaster Rovers Football Club and The Dons Rugby League and supporting a number of key local charities.

In addition, the comapny is doing its bit for the environment aiming to recycle 100 tonnes of cardboard every year and are serious about lowering carbon emissions.

49. Oliver Bryssau, Origin Broadband (50)

Managing director Mr Bryassu started Origin Broadband in 2011 after becoming increasingly frustrated with poor broadband speeds in the region.

The company offers broadband on a fibre optic network for homes and businesses.

The firm can offer homes 40 meg broadband speeds, which for most people is the fastest they will have ever had access to.

2014 was a milestone year for Mr Bryssau who notched up a number of achievements including being named ‘Young Person in Business’ for the whole of the UK at the national chamber awards as well as “Business Person of The Years (under 35)” at the Doncaster Chamber Awards.

Based in Thorne Road, Doncaster, the company offer a range of different broadband packages.

48. Toby Foster, Radio Sheffield (NEW)

Radio Sheffield presenter Toby Foster rose like a phoenix from the flames in 2014 after fans of the award-winning radio favourite, who joined the station in 2002, set up an online ‘Save Our Toby’ campaign calling for his reinstatement after a brief period of suspension.

The popular presenter returned to his radio job in January.

The stand-up comedian and actor who appeared as the drummer in Peter Kay’s cult comedy Phoenix Nights is also currently featuring in a live stage version of the show to raise cash for Comic Relief.

As well as juggling his comedy, acting and charity work Mr Foster continues to delight listeners fronting the three-hour Radio Sheffield breakfast show, taking an off-the-wall look at news, travel, weather and sport, weekdays from 7am to 9am followed by a topical phone-in until 10am.

47. Christian Sprenger, Highfield (NEW)

Christian Sprenger is Managing Director at Highfield, the UK and Middle East’s leading supplier of compliance training materials.

Based in Shaw Wood Business Park in Doncaster Mr Spenger is responsible for developing and implementing the Board’s strategy so that Highfield can achieve its goals.

Mr Sprenger joined the business in 2003 as the Marketing Director and progressed to the position of Managing Director in 2009.

Before joining Highfield, Christian worked in store management for Marks & Spencer before progressing to marketing management at their head office.

His vision and determination has been key to the growth of Highfield and its expansion into new markets.

Mr Sprenger is also the celebrated author of three health and safety publications.

46. Paul Goel, Keeble Hawson (-)

A partner at Keeble Hawson solicitors, Mr Goel has extensive experience of both corporate and commercial property work.

His corporate experience involves dealing with acquisitions and disposals, shareholder agreements and franchise agreements

His commercial property portfolio encompasses commercial and institutional clients, involving both freehold and leasehold transactions.

He acts for several owner managed companies with commercial property portfolios.

The company has expanded and has four offices across Yorkshire.

Keeble Hawson has a team of 280 (including 36 partners and another 65 lawyers) and offices in Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster.

Mr Goel is also a governor of Hill House St Marys, an independent day school in Doncaster.

45. Cheryl Sadler, Lakeside (NEW)

Lakeside Village centre manager Cheryl Sadler has been recognised for both her impressive business credentials and commitment to the community.

Under Ms Sadler’s watch Lakeside Village was presented with an award for it’s commitment to the local community and charity work this month,

The award for humanitarian needs of the community, which is internationally recognised, was presented for the work carried out by Lakeside Village and the Thorne Rural Lions Club over the last six years.

And thanks to the completion of the A6182 Doncaster Southern Gateway Improvement Scheme the future is bright for the shopping centre with easier access for shoppers. Ms Sadler said: “The new road system really opens up the arrival into Lakeside and marks the gateway for a great retail and leisure destination.”

44. Mick Maye, Market Traders (NEW)

Chair of Doncaster Market Traders Federation Mr Maye continuously flies the flag for Doncaster Market and was instrumental in a campaign to bring bus services to the site where shoppers and traders felt they were being missed out by the existing routes.

The business savy market trader has been running a successful card shop on Doncaster Market for decades.

He has also enjoyed a glittering political career.

The former councillor ran for mayor of Doncaster on three occasions.

Mr Maye was also deputy leader of Alliance of Independent Members.

He counts his childhood hero as his dad who worked everyday and brought up five children.

43. Gwenhael Le Coent, Wirquin (NEW)

As managing director of sanitary equipment specialist Wirquin, Gwenhael Le Coent celebrated a successful year with a double win at Doncaster Chamber Business Awards.

The company scooped ‘Excellence in Overseas Trade’ for moving into new international markets and ‘Excellence in Innovation and Diversification’ for its innovative approach to business.

Gwenhael Le Coent, who brought his family business to Doncaster in 2011 by buying a struggling company and saving over 200 local jobs, was also awarded runner-up for the Business Person of the Year – 36 years and over.

42.Bobbie Roberts, Deaf Trust (47)

After being made a freeman of the borough Bobbie Roberts has jumped from 47th last year to this year’s 42nd.

The retired nurse and magistrate, is chair of trustees at Doncaster Deaf Trust, which can trace its history back to 1829 when Reverend William Carr Fenton set up a school for young deaf people.

Mrs Roberts has been involved with Doncaster Deaf Trust since 1978 and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of its specialist education provision.

Mrs Roberts is also a trustee for Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust and has played a role in leisure provision.

Mrs Roberts received an MBE in 2005.

41. Peter Davies, Columnist (NEW)

Former mayor and Doncaster Free Press columnist Peter Davies is a new addition to the list this year.

The former teacher was a founding member of the Campaign for Real Education – an organisation dedicated to restoring high standards of learning and discipline in the state education system.

Mr Davies was mayor of Doncaster from 2009 to 2013 and narrowly lost the 2013 election to Labour mayor Ros Jones.

He remains an influential voice in Doncaster as chair of the newly-formed political party the Doncaster First Independents.

Mr Davies also shares his opinions through a popular weekly column in the Free Press.

40. Pippa Dodgshon, Hall Cross (NEW)

As headteacher of Hall Cross Academy and a very influential education figure locally, Pippa Dodgshon has enjoyed a number of successes.

Last year alone under Ms Dodgshon more students than ever celebrated getting into their first choice university. Ofsted inspectors praised staff and pupils at the academy and gave them a “good” rating at the last inspection.

Inspectors also praised Ms Dodgshon’s strong drive for success .

Reacting to the Ofsted report Pippa Dodgshon said she was delighted with the ‘good’ rating. She added: “The report contains many positive reflections of our drive and determination to provide the best for all our students.”

39. Laurie Barton Wright, Frenchgate (NEW)

The Frenchgate Centre manager has made a big impact since joining the shopping Centre in 2013.

Since taking the reins she has overseen a £10 million investment plan, that has seen new restaurants and shops open in the centre.

Phase two of the development plan is underway and will see Lifestyle Fitness open what will be their first gym in a UK shopping centre.

An experienced former marketing manager with over fifteen years of industry experience gained with both property owners and managing agents.

Laurie holds the BCSC Diploma