Coast to Capital is delighted to announce that Julie Kapsalis has been appointed as its new Chair. Julie has held the position of Vice Chair for the past year and has been on the Coast to Capital Board for over six years during which time she served as the Chair of the Investment Committee and Diversity Champion.

As the economic climate changes in response to COVID-19, the Coast to Capital area is facing new and different challenges. Against the backdrop of the Strategic Economic Plan, 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. Julie’s experience and her strengths as an ambassador ensures continued strong and strategic leadership for the region.

Julie is Managing Director of 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.

Julie 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.

Jonathan Sharrock,
Chief Executive at Coast to Capital:
“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. ”

Tim Wates,
previous Coast to Capital Chair:
“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.”

Julie Kapsalis,
Coast to Capital Chair:
“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. 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.”

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