Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) current Chairman John Peel OBE announced his resignation. Following three successful years at the helm of the LEP which covers a large area – Coastal West Sussex, Rural West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, London Borough of Croydon and The Gatwick Diamond.

During John’s tenure, he has driven forward the partnership’s key strategic priorities: improving enterprise and increasing international trade. Coast to Capital has recently developed a Strategic Economic Plan which sets the basis for negotiation with Government on future investment to drive local growth; leading Mr Peel to believe now is the right time to step down.

Commenting on his decision, John said: “These past three years have been challenging and some of the most satisfying of my career. To have been the first Chairman of Coast to Capital has been an enormous privilege. Much has been achieved and I feel I can resign from the Chair on a high note, with Coast to Capital having established a reputation as one of the leading LEPs in the country with a strong plan in place for the future.”

John’s successor will lead a Board of ten business leaders and seven local authority and higher and further education leaders in shaping and driving the formation of the Coast to Capital LEP strategies and work programme.