Members announced for influential new business board

Business leaders have joined a new board which will act as the voice of the private sector in Greater Essex.

The Greater Essex Business Board brings together influential and inspiring business leaders.

We led an open recruitment process alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council. A total of 20 business leaders have been appointed to join the new board.

The board’s membership reflects:

• the economy of the area
• different sizes of business
• the geographical local economies
• different perspectives of the business community

Members will play a key role in attracting investment and influencing job growth. They will also advise on infrastructure and skills priorities, and oversee future Government programmes.

Julia Gregory will Chair the board. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. During a 30 plus year career she has worked across the private and public sectors, primarily in the real estate development sector.

Julia has supported delivery of key projects. This includes delivery of a new garden city at Ebbsfleet. It also includes supporting growth aspirations during her time at Stansted and Gatwick airports.

As a Chairperson and Non-Executive Director, she currently leads the strategic direction of various companies. In 2023, the National Businesswomen Awards recognised Julia with a lifetime achievement award.

The Greater Essex Business Board’s members are:

• Alan Shaoul, DP World
• Alison Hartley, Teledyne
• Andrea Cunningham, Metal Culture
• Ann Scott, Federation of Small Businesses
• Bolaji Sofoluwe, ETK Group
• Christopher Lines, Leonardo
• Denise Rossiter, Essex Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Edwin Strang, Industrial Chemicals
• Eoin Lyons, SS&C Financial Services
• Jacqui Dallimore, Roslin Beach Hotel and Chair of Southend Tourism Partnership
• Lara Fox, Objective IT
• Mike Hardaker, MAG/Stansted Airport
• Ryan Liversage, Morgan Sindall
• Rupert Wood, Almcor
• Steve Beel, Freeport East
• Trevor Scott, , Simarco
• Tim Price, Park City
• Dr Rob Singh, University of Essex
• Professor Mohammed M Ali, Anglia Ruskin University

The board’s first meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 December in Southend.

Find out more about the Greater Essex Business Board.