Our voluntary directors generously contribute their time and expertise to provide dedicated support, guidance, and constructive challenges, ensuring our organisation fulfills its purpose effectively.

Lydia McClelland

Chairperson

Lydia McClelland

Chairperson

LMC Associates aids UK and Ireland SMEs in growth via strategic marketing. Lydia, a Chartered Marketer with 20+ years of senior management experience, offers services like outsourced marketing, strategy development, marketing training, board governance support, SME mentoring, and executive coaching across diverse sectors.

David Blevings

Vice-Chairperson

David Blevings

Vice-Chairperson

David Blevings MSc FRICS, a Chartered Surveyor with 40+ years in energy, property, and small business sectors, managed Local Enterprise Agencies aiding startups. For 20+ years, he represented the local liquid fuel sector, interacting with policymakers. He chaired Ards Business Hub for 15 years and is now vice chair.

Nikki Gardiner

Director

Nikki Gardiner

Director

Nikki, Retail Director for Specsavers in Newtownards, serves on the boards of Ards Business Hub and the Newtownards Chamber of Trade. Passionate about her community, she balances work with family time, travel, and CrossFit. Nikki is also training to be a Dispensing Optician at Bradford University.

Colin Stutt

Director

Colin Stutt

Director

Colin Stutt, with 20+ years in public and corporate sectors, plus his own business, specialises in economic and business development, urban regeneration, and corporate governance. He is currently a Strategic Advisor to the Strategic Investment Board for Northern Ireland, advising government departments, local authorities, and public bodies.

Sarah Fargher

Director

Sarah Fargher

Director

Sarah, a Business Development Professional and Executive Mentor with 20+ years of experience, specialises in startup, brand launch, and development in the Health, Hair, and Beauty Industry. She has worked for LVMH and L’Oreal and now runs Capital Hair and Beauty in NI. An ILM Level 7 Executive Coach, she aims to expand her mentoring practice.

Colin Adair

Director

Colin Adair

Director

Michelle Lestas

Director

Michelle Lestas

Director

Michelle, Founder of Michelle Lestas & Associates, specialises in Small Business Turnaround and Entrepreneurial Leadership. She authored "In Business with Yourself" and delivers keynotes across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Michelle chairs the Association of Business Mentors in Ireland, influences NI Assembly policy, and is an Entrepreneur in Residence with Catalyst Inc.

Geoff Ingham

Director

Geoff Ingham

Director

Geoff has 38 years in the Aerospace Industry, specialising in operations management. He holds degrees in Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Manufacturing Management, and an MBA in Leadership. Geoff has led teams in final assembly and fabrication, overseeing large workforces and significant projects. Currently, he manages Composites facilities in Newtownabbey and Dunmurry.

Kerry Spence

Director

Kerry Spence

Director

Kerry, a Chartered Surveyor turned management consultant, brings over 30 years of diverse business experience across industries like property, luxury goods, legal, and professional sectors. As Managing Director and Operations Director, she led global teams. Kerry now specialises in troubleshooting and mentoring SMEs, leveraging her expertise in managing growth and change.

Kieran McKenna

Director

Kieran McKenna

Director

Kieran, with a B.Eng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Queens University Belfast, has over 20 years in Further & Higher Education. As Head of Department, he specialises in Enterprise, IT, and Engineering. Kieran excels in change management, implementing government programs at SERC. An avid cyclist and musician, he holds multiple Ulster cycling titles.

Considering joining our board?

At Ards Business Hub, we welcome a fresh perspective to support our existing board. Join our board and help shape the future of our community. Explore the opportunities within our board and make a difference.

Become a Director

Lydia McClelland

David Blevings

Nikki Gardiner

Colin Stutt

Sarah Fargher

Colin Adair

Michelle Lestas

Geoff Ingham

Kerry Spence

Kieran McKenna

Considering joining our board?

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Considering joining our board?

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