New chair at West Sussex’s local enterprise partnership

West Sussex’ local enterprise partnership has appointed a new chair.
Julie Kapsalis has been announced as the new chair of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise PartnershipJulie Kapsalis has been announced as the new chair of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership
Julie Kapsalis has been announced as the new chair of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership

Coast to Capital LEP, which also covers Brighton & Hove, Croydon, and East Surrey, plays a central role in determining the area’s economic priorities and helps drive economic growth and job creation.

Julie Kapsalis, who has been vice-chair for the past year, has been appointed as the LEP’s new chair, succeeding Tim Wates.

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She has been on the Coast to Capital board for more than six years and has served as the chair of the investment committee as well as its diversity champion.

Ms Kapsalis is managing director of the Chichester College Group with responsibility for a portfolio of commercial businesses including a chain of childcare nurseries, examination board and international education.

She is a board member of the Institute of Economic Development, Gatwick Diamond Business and is the immediate past chair of Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is passionate about supporting business growth with a particular interest in skills, enterprise and social mobility.

Ms Kapsalis said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chair of Coast to Capital. I am passionate about our region and the LEP’s work to support sustainable economic growth particularly through our business support and grants programmes.

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“I have greatly valued my last six years on the board and I look forward to working even more closely with our partners and leading the board as we move forwards with the development of our local industrial strategy and Covid-19 recovery plan.”

Ms Kapsalis is committed to broadening Coast to Capital’s approach to equality and diversity including her work on the Rose Review into female entrepreneurship and the LEP expert in residence programme.

The Coast to Capital area will face new and different challenges as the economy rebounds from the coronavirus pandemiic.

Against the backdrop of the strategic economic plan entitled Gatwick 360, the board recognise that the role of its chair is one that inspires confidence in the voice of business, government, local authorities and combined authorities. Ms Kapsalis’ experience and her strengths as an ambassador ensures continued strong and strategic leadership for the region.

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Jonathan Sharrock, chief executive at Coast to Capital, said: “Julie has a clear passion and commitment to the objectives of Coast to Capital and has a strong vision for its future. This is an uncertain time for the Coast to Capital economy and this is an excellent appointment at a critical time.

“I would like to thank our previous Chair, Tim Wates for his strategic leadership and support over the past nine years. Tim has led the Board from strength to strength and has brought leaders from business, academia and local government together to succeed.”

Mr Wates added: “I am proud to have served on the board since its formation in 2011, initially as vice chair and then for six years as chair. It has been a fascinating and thoroughly fulfilling experience to play a part in driving the economy of our wonderful and diverse region and representing it to successive Governments.

“I am delighted with this appointment and am confident Julie will do a great job as chair, bringing excellent energy and skill to the role.”

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