Panel Members

Register of Interest

Rachael Randall's Register of Interest can be found here.

Biography

Rachael is Principal and CEO of HTP Apprenticeship College Ltd which she established in the year 2000. Prior to that she was involved in Government funded training working for New Deal and a national apprenticeship provider. Her roots are also firmly based in the world of Hospitality, Tourism and Farming. She grew up on the Isle of Wight and has brought up 2 children and is married to Malcolm. She also owns Albert Cottage Hotel in East Cowes on the Island.

Register of Interest

Paula Swain's Register of Interest can be found here

LEP Roles

Business Director*

Sector

Private sector representative

Biography

Paula Swain is a Partner in national law firm Shoosmiths LLP, and heads the firm’s southernmost office located at the Solent Business Park.

Through her professional practice, Paula has access to a broad array of businesses operating in the Solent region, and a key part of her role as a Head of Office is to support and monitor the economy of the Solent region.  Paula is particularly interested in how the development of 5G technology will assist the Solent region, together with new ventures from the region’s universities, smart manufacturing, maritime, aerospace and defence sectors.

A commercial litigator in her professional life, Paula is a supporting adviser and advocate for her clients across a broad range of disputes, and is a contributing author to Westlaw UK Insights. Paula read law at the University of Southampton, works in Whiteley and lives in Poole.  She appreciates both the economic and lifestyle aspects of the Solent region. Paula is a passionate supporter for growth in the region.

*Independent Non-Executive Director as outlined in the Corporate Governance Code 2018

Register of Interest

Jo Sawford's Register of Interest can be found here.

LEP roles

Board Director

Search, Employment and Remuneration Committee panel member

Biography

Jo Sawford is the Head of Payload Projects for Telecommunication Satellites within Airbus Defence & Space. She is accountable for the on-time, on-quality, on-cost delivery of the payload from Portsmouth.

Through her career, Jo has worked within the aerospace industry working within the aircraft and space perimeters. Having responsibility within the domains of commercial, contracts, sales, supply chain; now working within programme management. These roles have involved leading and working within transnational teams with a worldwide customer base in both military and civil markets.

In addition to this role, she also holds the post of Site Director. Jo has helped facilitate a positive improvement with the level of interaction between Airbus and the local community through activities such as Shaping Portsmouth, Pride@Portsmouth, “We can do it Awards” and also through extensive OUTREACH programmes including EBP South, Girls Network, UTC Portsmouth, Winchester Science Centre and local charities.

Jo passionately believes that in her position she has an opportunity to embrace change, encourage collaboration, and provide strategic direction for Airbus as a whole, as well as influencing the Company visibility in the Portsmouth area through support of local engagement. Jo’s work ethic is always to demonstrate commitment, support team-work, motivate a healthy working environment, as well as recognising potential growth and creativity of both individuals and teams.

Register of Interest 

Edward's Register of Interest can be found here. 

LEP Roles

Solent LEP Local Authority Director

Biography

Edward Heron lives in the New Forest with his wife and two children A Chartered Surveyor by profession he was elected to New Forest District Council in 2007, where he currently serves as Leader of the Council, and to Hampshire County Council in 2009, where he holds the position of Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage & Rural Affairs.