Board Members
The Helping Wigan Thrive Board
Local businesses. Shared commitment.
The Helping Wigan Thrive board is made up of local businesses who share a commitment to making a practical difference in our community.
Each board member contributes their time, expertise, and resources to help deliver meaningful support for our Charity of the Year. By working together, this network of businesses helps coordinate projects, provide specialist skills, and ensure support is delivered where it can have the greatest impact.
Together, the board helps turn collaboration into real action for charities across the Wigan borough.
Hannah Roby
Lansafe
Hannah Roby is Community Co Ordinator at Lansafe and the founder of Helping Wigan Thrive. She works with local charities, CICs and community groups, creating partnerships that unlock practical support and help reduce costs through services such as telecoms and IT, while driving initiatives that give back to the place Lansafe started 20 years ago.
Kat Craven
safeseal roofing
Kat Craven is Business Development Manager at Safeseal Roofing Ltd, working alongside her husband, Ben in their Wigan-based family-run firm. She is passionate about changing the narrative around roofing, investing in local talent and supporting community initiatives, contributing to Helping Wigan Thrive’s mission across the borough.
Nichola Howard
Launch North West
Nichola Howard is Co founder at Launch North West, Wigan President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Co organiser of the Wigan Business Awards. A trusted network builder, she connects local organisations, sparks collaborations and helps people build long term relationships that strengthen Wigan’s business community.
Charlotte Rothwell
dasco construction
Charlotte Rothwell is Accounts Manager at DASCO Construction Ltd, a family run commercial and residential construction business. She looks after payroll, invoicing, budgets and reporting, supporting smooth delivery. Locally focused, the business backs town growth, works with local suppliers and supports charities.
Jo Yates
metro rod
Jo Yates is a Director at Metro Rod Lancashire, having owned and managed the depot since 2009. She is recognised for her people-focused leadership and strong professional values. Passionate about community impact, Jo works closely with local charities and initiatives to create lasting, positive change.
Rachel Darling
Wigan Council
Rach is Strategic Development Manager in Wigan Council’s Supporting Skills and Futures Team, with 17 years’ experience. She champions equity and inclusion, helping local employers build diverse, accessible workplaces. Passionate about opportunity, Rach supports people of all ages and abilities to progress.
Kathryn Pearson
JGP Consultancy
Kathryn Pearson is Managing Director of multi award winning JGP Consultancy Services, with over a decade of experience in public procurement. She helps organisations achieve sustainable growth by securing public sector contracts. Passionate about social value, Kathryn supports charities, community initiatives, and Helping Wigan Thrive.
Nicola Morris
Lowton Creative Workwear & Merchandise
Nicola Morris is the founder and director of Lowton Creative Workwear and Merchandise, with a showroom in Leigh. She offers consultation approach to uniforms and workwear, helping businesses choose high quality print and embroidery. Nicola delivers branded clothing that reflects each client’s identity.
Louise Bithell
Bithells Waste Management
It is an honour to be able to give back to our community and to be part of a group of like minded companies. Being a member of Helping Wigan Thrive enables us to work alongside many charities throughout the borough. Offering our services and skill sets is a great way of helping and knowing that we are donating in a totally different way.
Diane Wilde
Rutter Green
Diane founded Rutter Green Estate Agents in 2015. Based in the Wigan, the team supports sales and lettings for businesses, property management, and auctions across England and Wales. Diane champions community work, backing local charities, collaborating with Wigan businesses, and sponsoring the Wigan Borough Business Awards.
Faye Haynes
Haynes & Haynes
Haynes and Haynes is a family run commercial finance brokerage founded in 2019 by finance professionals John and Faye Haynes. Built on strong relationships and a shared vision, they provide tailored finance and consultancy solutions. The team takes time to understand each client’s business, ensuring the right fit for their goals.
Laura Leyland
Fresh Perspective
Laura is an experienced recruitment specialist with director level expertise, helping businesses rethink how they hire. From reducing costs & improving processes to building internal teams and employer branding, she delivers practical, results focused solutions. Passionate about getting it right, Laura also co hosts a podcast with her sister.
Graham Hurst
GHE Electrical, Fire & Security Ltd
Graham Hurst is the founder of GHE Electrical Fire & Security Ltd, an award winning Wigan business recognised as Employer of the Year and proudly serving the North West. He also leads In Memory of Baby G, a heartfelt campaign supporting Three Wishes Charity and helping fund lifesaving equipment for Wigan Infirmary’s Neo Natal Unit, with a strong focus on community impact and meaningful local support.
Gary Peers
The Bedroom Shop
The Bedroom Shop Ltd is a Wigan based family run retailer specialising in stylish, high quality bedroom furniture at competitive prices. Established in 1995 by proud Wiganer Garry, the business offers ready assembled furniture, clearance items, beds, mattresses and sliding wardrobes, with a strong focus on value, friendly service and fast delivery across the North West and mainland UK.
Louie-Jay Oakley
GroundUp
GroundUp® Marketing & Media is a Wigan-based creative agency delivering branding, design, media, web, events and marketing support across eight specialist services. Working with SMEs, charities and larger organisations, the team focuses on purpose-driven creativity that strengthens local impact. GroundUp is proud to join Helping Wigan Thrive, offering meaningful marketing expertise across the borough.
Mark Glover
wigan council
Mark is the Business Growth & Investment Manager at Wigan Council with over 30 years of experience. A proud Wiganer, he is passionate about supporting residents with business start-up ideas and helping borough businesses overcome challenges to achieve growth. Mark loves sport and is the co-founder of Sport Rebooted, a Community Interest Company supporting people across the North-West to take part in sport.
Kevin Taylor
ENV Graphics & Signage Ltd
Kevin is the founder of ENV Graphics & Signage Ltd in Hindley, Wigan, with around 18 years of experience in signs, graphics and vehicle wraps. Since launching in 2015, he has embraced every challenge as part of a continuous learning journey. Kevin is passionate about quality and customer satisfaction, seeing both as key to long term growth, and enjoys taking on new projects and finding solutions.