About us

Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s mission is to transform Newhaven into a thriving business destination by 2030, with a repurposed town centre, to support growth sectors and boost the economy.

Its current investment plan includes seven key initiatives including grant programmes to drive productivity, business growth and investment. Helping to create sustainable, inclusive jobs that benefit the entire community.

Head and shoulders portrait of two women, one with mid-length fair hair, glasses and a black-and-orange checked dress; the other with a pixie haircut, black neck scarf and grey checked jacket, both against white background.

Meet the Team

Head and shoulders portrait of a woman with blue dress and pixie haircut against white background.

Michelle Connors

Newhaven Enterprise Zone – Programme Manager

In her role as NEZ programme manager, Michelle brings her strong business development experience across public and private sector organisations — including six years of working with Newhaven’s business community — to undertake the delivery of programmes that support inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities. Her key focus is on supporting the delivery of objectives across key sectors and businesses and leading a programme of business events in collaboration with key partners.

Charlotte Stock

Newhaven Enterprise Zone — Programme Administrator

Drawing on her knowledge of and past experience in project management roles within Publishing and Education, Charlotte monitors and coordinates the activities within the Enterprise Zone’s funded programmes and supports the team in its delivery of incentives to drive local business growth.

Nick Stockman

Towner Eastbourne – Newhaven Creative Producer

As Brighton Fringe’s first director and Culture24’s campaign leader, Nick has been involved in placemaking culture throughout his career. He led on the annual, UK-wide Museums at Night campaign which was a part of an international effort to attract young audiences to heritage sites. A Churchill Fellow, he has authored four published reports tackling audience development in museum visitation. Nick’s role will be helping to develop Newhaven’s cultural offer and supporting the town to maximise its creative energy.

Our Board

Graham Peters

Graham Peters

Chair of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone Board
Rebecca Conroy

Rebecca Conroy

CEO and Principal of East Sussex College
Robert Cottrill

Robert Cottrill

Chief Executive Officer of Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils
Captain Dave Collins-Williams

Captain Dave Collins-Williams

Port Manager, Newhaven Port & Properties Limited

Ken Dry

Newhaven Town Clerk
Ian Fitzpatrick

Ian Fitzpatrick

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils
James Harris

James Harris

Assistant Director, Economy, East Sussex County Council

Julia Johnson

Director, Fine Marketing Consultants Ltdc
Duncan Kerr

Duncan Kerr

Chief Executive Officer, Wave Active Ltd

Graham Marley

Chief Executive, Let’s Do Business Group

Penny Shimmin

Chief Executive, Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA)

Mike Shorer

Goldsmith, Jewellery Designer and Trophy Maker, President of Newhaven Chamber of Commerce