Bettys and Taylors chairman awarded highest honour

Jonathan Wild, the chairman of Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate has received The Prince’s Ambassador Award in Yorkshire and Humber in recognition of his strong leadership and his personal commitment to ethical business practice.    

Under Jonathan’s leadership, Bettys and Taylors is admired not just for its commitment to customers and employees but for being a most innovative business whilst retaining strong values and deep roots in Yorkshire

Mr Wild was presented with the accolade at Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on 21 June in Leeds.

Speaking via a video message to 450 business leaders, who gathered at the Royal Armouries in Leeds to witness the glittering ceremony, The Prince praised the work carried out by the Bettys & Taylors chairman.

"Mr Wild’s achievements include playing an instrumental role in his company’s ‘Trees for Life’ programme which is dedicated to ensuring that tea and coffee is sourced from secure and well-managed stocks."

Added Prince Charles: “Jonathan has been one of the longest-serving members of BITC’s leadership teams, developing the campaign to link companies to the causes. His personal drive developed the company’s Trees for Life programme with the goal of planting one million trees around the world. To date the company has far outstripped its goals and has donated more than £1 million to Oxfam and planted 3 million trees on four continents.

“Jonathan has spearheaded the company’s ethical sourcing initiative, focusing on procurement of teas and coffees from secure and well-managed stocks and sourcing ingredients for their famous Yorkshire tearooms locally.

“On top of all this the company is a passionate advocate of cooking skills in schools, something particularly close to my heart.”

Commented Mr Wild: “We are so fortunate in having a Prince of Wales who cares so deeply about society and about the environment and who is willing to hold visionary but not always conventional or popular views and sponsor practical action to advance them. I hope I have sufficient courage to be a bold ambassador on his behalf amongst businesses in Yorkshire."