Can you tell us a little about your background and career so far?
I’ve spent more than 20 years in the telecoms industry across sales and procurement, followed by two years at Plumpton College helping employers take on apprentices. I joined the NEZ in 2019 and over the past six years I’ve developed a deep understanding of the town and its businesses. So much has changed and grown in that time and it’s been brilliant to be a part of that journey.
You’ve already been involved in business engagement in Newhaven — what has that experience taught you about the town, its community and its potential?
Newhaven is a far more dynamic and vibrant town than some people may assume. Talking to businesses, community groups and residents over the years has made two things really stand out for me.
First, it’s a close-knit community – people care deeply about their town and look out for one another. There’s a real willingness to share ideas, contacts and resources.
Second, there is a huge amount of entrepreneurial energy. We’ve got creatives, marine specialists, manufacturers, retailers and startups all doing interesting work, trying new things and pushing into new markets.
There’s a strong sense that the town is ready for change. Its physical assets such as the port are a big draw, but it’s the people that give Newhaven its potential. Everyone I speak to really wants to see positive regeneration that genuinely benefits residents.
Newhaven isn’t starting from scratch. It’s a place with history, ambition and a lot of pride.
What excites you most about stepping into the position as Programme Manager?
I’m excited to take what I’ve learned from working closely with local businesses and use it to help drive the next stage of Newhaven’s growth. There’s a real energy around the town centre at the moment and it feels like the right time to build on that. We’ve got great businesses here already and I want to help them grow while also attracting new ones.
How do you see the Enterprise Zone making a difference for businesses and residents in Newhaven in the next five years?
For businesses, we’re working to bring underused land and buildings back into use, supporting feasibility studies and helping create modern workspaces. We’re also supporting key growth sectors with our targeted funding programmes focussed on refurbishment of workspaces and low carbon investment.
A real focus is making the town centre brighter and more welcoming and improving the look of the high street through our Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, making it more attractive for residents, visitors and businesses.
We’re also supporting community projects around arts, wellbeing and active lifestyles so people feel the benefits of regeneration in their day-to-day lives.
All of this helps how people see Newhaven, both locally and from the outside. It is becoming a forward-thinking harbour town.
What do you enjoy most about working with local businesses and stakeholders?
I love getting to know people and understanding what they need. For me, the best part is connecting organisations and helping remove the barriers that get in the way of good ideas. It’s rewarding to see things move forward because people have come together.
Do you have any reflections on the changes happening in Newhaven right now?
It feels like there’s momentum in Newhaven. The town centre is looking brighter thanks to the new shopfronts and more activity. The investment in the port and low carbon projects shows we’re moving towards a greener economy.
The town is developing a stronger sense of identity too. Newhaven is creative and increasingly confident. The key is making sure the benefits reach everyone.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the next 12 months?
My focus is on continuing the improvements in the town centre, supporting local businesses to grow and access funding and bringing unused commercial space back into use. We also want to build the town’s visitor offer with more events and initiatives to bring people in and boost local pride. We want to make sure residents feel the benefits through skills support, job opportunities and community projects.
Where is your favourite place in Newhaven?
It has to be the Hope Inn on a sunny afternoon, watching the ferry coming in and waving at the passengers (sometimes they even wave back!).
If you had to sum up Newhaven in three words, which would you choose?
Industrious, ambitious and coastal.
