Retired chain store boss to lead children's hospital trust

Nick Jeffery ran the Cantors chain which started in Sheffield and eventually had 300 stores and more than 5,000 employees. He was born, brought up and educated in the city.

He is now retired and lives in Eyam in the Peak District. The trust's council of governors said his depth of business experience would be a strong asset to the organisation.

Mr Jeffrey said: "It is a privilege to take on this new role. The trust provides something special both in its skills and its expertise. It has its own specialties, which are equally valuable and worth building upon.

"The dedication of staff here is remarkable and for Sheffield to have this kind of facility is wonderful. It is a very well run organisation, and I want to develop it further and to continue improving the quality of services.

"I'm always looking forward and keen to find ways to support the development of new procedures, medical facilities and products to grow the size of the trust and increase the surplus to reinvest in patient services.

"One of my key aims is for the trust to have a continuance and development in terms of openness, transparency, involvement in the community and listening to what the public want in terms of medical services, and for this our foundation trust status is vital."

The chief executive of the trust, Chris Sharratt, added: "I am delighted to welcome Nick to the trust. He is passionate about contributing to the local community and has a wealth of experience and skills."