Burnley Bondholders chairman announces decision to step down

Burnley Bondholders chairman Mark Crabtree OBE is stepping down after eight years in the role.
Mark CrabtreeMark Crabtree
Mark Crabtree

Mr Crabtree, who is the founder and managing director of Burnley-based AMS Neve, has led the successful bondholders scheme to more than 200 members.

The public/private partnership is dedicated to raising the prosperity and profile of the borough, and has attracted attention from the wider business community, other local authorities and the press.

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During his time at the helm, Burnley was named the Most Enterprising Area in 2013, the second most successful town for digital jobs growth in 2016 and was a Top 16 UK Tech Town in 2018.

Mr Crabtree said: “I feel now is the right time for me to step down and I look forward to welcoming my successor. Burnley Bondholders is highly regarded both within and outside our borough and over the years, I’ve often been asked by other councils how the partnership is so successful. The answer, quite simply, is the spirit of the people of Burnley.

“We see what needs doing and without fanfare, we roll up our sleeves and get things done. The town has an innovative, resilient and entrepreneurial approach and this will be needed now more than ever as we navigate the post-Covid-19 era.

“I will continue to work hard for the town of Burnley, both growing my own business AMS Neve and supporting the growth of Making it in Burnley and The Landmark, which are both going from strength to strength.

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“Finally, I want to thank everyone I have worked with during my role as chairman of Burnley Bondholders and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved. I wish my successor all the best.”

AMS Neve, based at AMS Technology Park in Billington Road, manufactures world-class audio equipment and is highly regarded in the music and film industry. Sir George Martin, often described as the 'Fifth Beatle', once said: “Neve consoles are the Rolls-Royce of the industry."

'Making it in Burnley' is an aspiration strategy to help boost the attainment of young people in the town. It covers a raft of initiatives and stakeholders including UCLan, Burnley College, school headteachers, Burnley Council and the Children’s University.

Mr Crabtree is also responsible for bringing Primary Engineer to the town, an inspiring initiative that aims to develop children and young people through engagement with engineering and address the gender imbalance in science and engineering.

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Its Burnley HQ is based at AMS Neve, which funded engineering lessons for 28 primary schools in the town. The lessons were delivered with engineers from Burnley Bondholder companies and Burnley was the first location in the UK to have such a town-wide initiative.

Another significant contribution he has made to the town is The Landmark, the former Burnley Grammar School in School Lane which now provides creative work spaces and business support for start-ups and growing businesses.

A first for Burnley, The Landmark also focuses on providing inspiring environments for students, kitted with the latest technology.

Burnley Council chief executive Mick Cartledge said: “Mark’s contribution to Burnley Bondholders cannot be underestimated. From day one, he has been passionate about driving our town forward and promoting it as a great place to live, work, study and explore.

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“He leaves the Bondholders in a strong position and I have begun the process to find a successor with the same passion and commitment to Burnley. I know I speak for everyone when I say a huge thank you to Mark and we look forward to celebrating his achievements when the time is right and safe for the bondholders to come together.

“A new chair of Burnley Bondholders will be appointed shortly.”

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