biography - sue kelly
Sue has seventeen years experience of working within an economic development environment. Before joining North Yorkshire County Council in 2003 as Project Officer - Agriculture & Food, delivering the Agriculture strand of the SRB 6 funded programme 'Developing Opportunities for a Rural County', she worked as a Rural Business Development Officer for One NorthEast, the Regional Development Agency for the North East of England.
Before this she worked within the Business Development team of the Northern Development Company, during which time she gained experience of organising a substantial annual programme of DTI supported Export Trade Missions visiting worldwide markets; provided the secretariat for the North East Export Club and the Northern Food & Drink Federation; organised and delivered a number of North Pennines Business Showcase Events. She also has extensive experience of project managing, organising and delivering conferences, training and networking events.
Over the years Sue has worked with a wide variety of rural and agricultural businesses and groups to develop successful funding applications for diversification into:
- equine and equestrian related activities
- on farm processing facilities (cold stores, cutting rooms)
- new build farm shops (along with extensions & upgrades)
- redevelopment of a farriers forge to provide modern facilities
- redevelopment of redundant buildings (including farm buildings) for use as bulk storage centres, office accommodation, tourist accommodation, on farm processing facilities.
She has also worked with secondary processors to develop successful funding applications for a variety of activities including:
- labelling and bottling
- meat processing
- timber processing equipment etc.
And more recently she has worked with community groups to put together successful funding applications to re-develop existing community buildings, along with assisting one group to secure funding for a brand new Village Hall!
When not working ...
When not working Sue is a keen equestrian herself, owning and competing a large and somewhat stroppy bay mare, she is also a dog lover (available for puppy cuddling sessions) and owner of two English Springer Spaniels (muck magnets). Sue enjoys walking, the countryside, food and drink and playing (somewhat badly) chess!
