June 2010

LJWB Welcomes New Chair of Fundraising

Jonathan Straight, the 45 year old Chief Executive of Straight plc, the eponymous company he founded 17 years ago, has become chair of fundraising for Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and a Trustee of the Board.

His business has grown from one man and a desk to the UK’s leading supplier of kerbside recycling boxes, home compost bins and water butts with a £30m turnover, more than 40 employees and a listing on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market.

With such a keen awareness of environmental and social issues, Jonathan Straight understands fully the importance of meeting social need and community engagement. 'I have lived in Leeds all my life' said Jonathan, 'and the intrinsic values of the Welfare Board which promote dignity, independence and empowerment in the lives of vulnerable people in our Community, resonate with me. I feel strongly that we have a moral and financial obligation to look after our own - the Community would be greatly diminished without LJWB' he added.

'We are very fortunate to have Jonathan on board', added LJWB Chief Executive, Rebecca Weinberg. 'He has been a great supporter of the Board for many years and has served in an advisory capacity on 'Green Issues'. We welcome Jonathan's entrepreneurial spirit in helping us to raise the much needed funds essential for us to continue with our work.'