ASSOCIATE

Key skills

- Strategic and operational management
- Business development and commercial growth
- Grants and funding consultancy
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
- Event design, delivery and hosting
- Communication, negotiation and public speaking
- Leadership development and coaching

Experience

always possible (Associate, 2020–present): Grant writer for the South East Business Boost programme; 1:1 business mentor providing commercial advice and growth strategies.

Coast to Capital Growth Hub (Growth Champion): Supported business and stakeholder engagement for initiatives including Newhaven Enterprise Zone and Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project.

Gatwick Diamond Business (Chief Executive, 2004–2018): Oversaw 400% increase in turnover and 250% growth in membership; influenced infrastructure development, lobbied on regional issues, and supported start-ups, inward investment and business retention.

Consider If (Consultant): Delivered strategic guidance, business development training and event management for private, public and health sector clients. Founded The Internet Innovation Forum, supporting 1,000+ SMEs to adopt commercial internet use.

Hospitality & retail career: Held senior management and operational roles at Forte Hotels, Penta Hotels, Peter Dominic Group and Whitbread.

Qualifications

Extensive professional experience in commercial leadership, business growth and economic development.

Honours and contributions

- Membership Ambassador – Gatwick Diamond Business
- Board member – Quality & Stakeholder Board (Crawley & Brinsbury Colleges)
- Member – Crawley Economic Task Force & Town Deal Board
- Chair, Transport Group & Management Group member – Manor Royal Business District

Honorary Faculty Member – Cecil B Day School of Hospitality, Georgia State University (student career visits and lectures)

Former Governor – Thomas Bennett Community College (campus and facilities planning)