Andrew John Smith

“Growing up in Ilkley as the youngest of three children, I spent my formative years exploring Rombalds Moor and the Yorkshire Dales. My mother was a Religious Education teacher in Bradford, and my father was a mechanical engineer who trained at Vickers in Leeds. After attending Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton, I went on to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Leeds, graduating with a 2:1 with Honours in 1999.”

“Following a four-year training contract with a high street firm of Chartered Accountants in Harrogate, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2004. I then moved into industry, initially joining an entrepreneurial property company based at Grantley Hall on the outskirts of Ripon. In the summer of 2008, I moved to Huddersfield after taking up the role of Financial Accountant at Towngate Plc in **Brighouse**.”

“After seven years at Towngate, I became Finance Director of a new entrepreneurial business based in **Birstall**. Over the following five years, I continued to broaden my commercial experience, holding Financial Controller and Finance Director roles across engineering, FMCG and property businesses, before joining an online engineering component retailer based in Brockholes in 2021.”

“In 2022, following the introduction of a four-day working week, I used my extra day each week to give something back to the community by becoming **voluntary Treasurer of Home-Start Kirklees**. I held this position until 2025, and during that time I developed a real understanding of the needs and challenges faced by families across **Kirklees**.”

“In 2023, alongside **Councillor Tony McGrath**, I helped bring Brockfest back to **Brockholes** by becoming a director and guarantor of Brockholes Business Group CIC, with a Brockholes-based company as the main sponsor.”

“In 2025 I decided it was time for a new challenge and joined Crowther’s in **Marsden** as Finance Director and Company Secretary. I joined this historic family business at a pivotal moment, as the New Mills redevelopment in the heart of Marsden begins and the redevelopment of Bank Bottom Mills comes into view.”

“**Holme Valley North** needs _investment, employment opportunities and regeneration_. I believe my professional experience gives me the financial and commercial expertise needed to help deliver that for the ward and for **Kirklees**.”

“This year, after decided to run in this May's local elections, i decided that the community work didn't need to end, and I have incorporated The Valleys Community Group Limited. This not-for-profit company, which I am in the process of applying for Charity status, will facilitate me to give back to the communities of both the Holme and Colne Valleys.”