Below you will find biographies of all LEP Board Members as well as a public version of each Board Member's Register of Interest Return. A biography and Register of Interest Return for our S151 Officer who attends all LEP Board meetings is also published here.
Register of Interest
Chris Ward's Register of Interest can be found here.
Biography
Chris Ward is Portsmouth City Council’s statutory Chief Financial Officer. He has a duty to secure the proper administration of the Council’s financial affairs in all of its dealings as well as holding a fiduciary responsibility to local taxpayers and a duty to act in the public interest at all times. Chris is responsible for the Council’s overall financial strategy and for overseeing the Council’s £700m budget.
He has worked for the Council for 15 years, rising to his current position in September 2011. Before this, Chris spent 10 years with responsibility for Corporate Finance, Accountancy, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable and throughout that period has been involved in, or been the financial lead, in almost every major project of the City Council. He is also a Director of MMD Limited, a fruit importing business which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City Council.
Register of Interest
David Youngs Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP Roles
Business Director*, Member of Finance, Funding and Performance Management Group.
Sector
Private sector representative
Biography
David Youngs is the co-founder and Business Development Director of LiveLink Technology, based in Havant. David and his brother Geoffrey started the company in their parents’ garden shed on the Hampshire/West Sussex border and have steadily grown operations through recent years to over 100 staff across the UK, USA and India.
David has significant expertise in some of the disruptive technologies now transforming the global economy and the Solent. He is actively involved in several R&D projects including Computer Imaging, Aerospace and Artificial Intelligence. He has mentored a number of small companies, and also leads a new charitable program in West Sussex to support both start-ups and young people with employment, accommodation and mentoring as they start their adult working life.
David’s interests include Aviation, Sailing and Music – and most importantly his wife Philippa and their three young children.
*Independent Non-Executive Director as outlined in the Corporate Governance Code 2018
Register of Interest
Paula Swain's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP Roles
Business Director*, SME Business Lead, Member of Search, Employment and Remuneration Committee
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
Rachael Randall's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP Roles
Interim Chair, Equality and Diversity Lead, Member of Search Employment and Remuneration Committee
Sector
Further Education
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.
The role description for the LEP Chair is available here.
*Independent Non-Executive Director as outlined in the Corporate Governance Code 2018
Register of Interest
Graham Galbraith's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP Roles
Higher Education Director
Sector
Higher Education representative
Biography
Graham Galbraith has been Vice-Chancellor at the University of Portsmouth since 2013. Previous roles include Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire (2008-2013) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at Glasgow Caledonian University (1993-2008).
In 2018 Graham was elected to the Universities UK Board; he also chairs its Longer Term Strategy Network. Graham is a member of the University Partnerships Programme Foundation Advisory Board, the Study Portals Advisory Board, EdTech Advisory Board for Higher and Further Education and is a Member of the Chartered Institution for Building Service Engineers. He has also been twice-elected to the Confederation of British Industry South East Regional Council. He holds Chartered Engineer status and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Graham has a wealth of management experience and a strong entrepreneurial outlook combined with a substantial record of academic achievement and a thorough understanding of the higher education (HE) sectors in the UK and overseas. He is passionate about HE and its power to transform the life choices of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. He is committed to leading the University of Portsmouth to provide the very best student experience underpinned by internationally excellent research and world-class business engagement.
Register of Interest
Nick Loader's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP Roles
Deputy Chair and Chair of Finance, Funding and Performance Management Group
Sector
Private sector representative
Biography
Nick is a Strategic Adviser to DP World’s UK businesses and is also a non-executive director of Solent Stevedores.
Nick graduated from the University of Bath in Economics and then qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
His first role in commerce was with McCarthy & Stone, builders of sheltered housing, but since then he has worked in the shipping and ports sector in various roles including for P&O Ferries Portsmouth and Carnival UK.
Nick joined DP World in 2005 as Finance Director in Southampton and in April 2016 he was appointed CEO of DP World Southampton.
Outside of work Nick plays squash and golf and enjoys walking.
Register of Interest
Jo Sawford's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP roles
Chair of Search, Employment and Remuneration Committee
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
Graham's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP Roles
Business Director
Biography
Graham, a Chartered Management Accountant, has over seventeen years’ experience in the retail, hospitality and logistics sectors and has held senior leadership positions in SMEs and multi-billion turnover businesses in these industries. He is also a member of the Leadership Team of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce.
A resident of Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Graham is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and an Associate of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.
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.
Register of Interest
Steve's Register of Interest can be found here.
Biography
Councillor Steve Pitt is Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development at Portsmouth City Council. He has a long history in championing culturally led regeneration and advocating for the cultural and creative industries. Steve is former music venue owner, and worked in various roles within the music industry. He is a professional theatre director and event manager.
Register of Interest
Cllr Alex Rennie's Register of Interest can be found here.
Cllr Alex Rennie is the Leader of Havant Borough Council, having been in position since May 2021. Originally a journalist, he’s been involved in politics as an advisor to several MPs. He’s also a founder of the Young Councillors Association and striving to increase the number of young professionals standing for election.
Register of Interest
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans' Register of Interest can be found here.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans is the Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Regeneration, Business Development and Tourism at Isle of Wight Council.
Julie has a background in retailing and fashion, graduating from London's South Bank Polytechnic with a BSc in Food, Textiles and Consumer Studies.
She set up her first retail business in 1990 and her latest venture is a high street regeneration project which has it's own brewery.
Julie entered local politics in 2008 to stand up for her local area and is a dedicated advocate for town centres and independent business.
She has been chair of the local branch of Federation of Small Businesses and a board member of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce.
Register of Interest
Brooke's Register of Interest can be found here.
LEP roles
Chair of Skills Advisory Panel
Biography
Brooke runs the Products & Training Services business within Maritime Services at BAE Systems - a £250m per year portfolio business delivering radars, underwater weapons, training and autonomous systems to UK and international customers with 1100 employees across five sites. On joining BAE Systems in 2014 as Director Technical Services and Consulting, Brooke led the restructuring of the BAE's Advanced Technology Centres including the transition of the Great Baddow Advanced Technology Centre into Applied Intelligence to establish the Applied Intelligence Laboratories which she then ran. Brooke joined Maritime Services in July 2016 as Transformation Director, leading programmes to simplify and streamline the organisation, culture, processes and systems of the business.
Prior to that Brooke worked for Raytheon UK as Director Strategy, Government Relations and Programme Management, leading the development of the Strategy for the UK business, managing relationships with wider government and also ensuring the effective delivery and staffing of the UK programmes. Brooke was also Raytheon UK’s Diversity Champion and their first Innovation Champion.
Brooke also held various other positions at Raytheon UK including Bid Director and then Programme Director for the £750m e-Borders programme, Head of National Security and Training, setting up a new P&L for the business and Head of Enterprise Process Improvement, leading the internal change and process improvement programme.
Brooke has also worked at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills including as Private Secretary to the Secretary of State. She has a PhD in Biophysics. Brooke is a proud mother to two boys and also enjoys keeping fit, still finding the time to run and play netball occasionally.
Register of Interest
Salli's Register of Interest can be found here.
Biography
Salli graduated from Bristol, UWE with a Business Degree and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant. Salli has worked for Serco for 18 years and now leads Serco’s UK Maritime Business, an operation delivering Defence critical support to the Royal Navy. Salli’s experience ranges from finance, commercial, contracts, risk management and strategy, to delivering services within and transforming complex operational businesses.
Salli won Maritime UK’s Diversity Champion Award in 2022, recognising her efforts in the Maritime and Defence industries, including supporting and promoting the Skills and Careers activity in the Solent, founding a Women in Defence network for Serco and promoting the importance of, and opportunities within the Maritime Industry. Salli’s passion is linking education, industry and combining the public and private sector to deliver aligned Strategies for the benefit of the Solent.
Salli is mum to Alfred (13) and Poppy (11) and has a passion for open water swimming, attempts to keep fit and loves cooking
Register of Interest
Richard Jones' Register of Interest can be found here
Biography
Richard was appointed Acting Chief Executive for the Solent LEP in August 2023. Having joined the Solent LEP in 2011, with the board still in shadow form, he has held a number of roles within the LEP including Head of Policy, Communications and Partner Engagement, Assistant Director of Corporate Governance and Communications and Deputy Chief Executive.
Richard leads the LEP’s operational delivery and is responsible for the overall investment programme, driving the development and transformation of the Solent LEP in its ambition to create a dynamic, vibrant, inclusive and internationally competitive region.
Richard holds two degrees; a BA in Media and Sociology from the University of London and an MA in Political Communications from Cardiff University. With the exception of time spent away at University, Richard has lived in the Solent region his entire life.
We have moved - visit our new website www.solentpartners.com