Rob Singh appointed to Greater Essex Business Board

Our Director of Research and Enterprise Dr Rob Singh has been selected to join an influential new board which will champion the economy of Greater Essex.

The Greater Essex Business Board brings together key businesses and inspiring business leaders, acting as the voice of the private sector in Greater Essex.

Through an open recruitment process, 19 business leaders including Rob have been appointed to join the new board.

Membership reflects the economy of the area, different sizes of business, the geographical local economies and different perspectives of the business community. The board will help shape economic policy in Greater Essex.

Rob has been Director of the Research and Enterprise Office at Essex since 2020. He represents the University with a number of regional stakeholders and is currently an elected member of the CBI East of England Council, a Director on the Freeport East Board, a member of the Heart of Greenstead Board and a director of University of Essex cyber-security spin-out, Metrarc Ltd. He is on the board of University of Essex subsidiary companies Knowledge Gateway Ltd and University of Essex Enterprises Ltd.

The board will be chaired by Julia Gregory, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. This has been built up during a 30 plus year career working across the private and public sectors, primarily in the real estate development sector.

As an active real estate and infrastructure leader in Essex and other nationally significant roles, Julia has supported delivery of key projects.

This includes delivery of a new garden city at Ebbsfleet and supporting growth aspirations during her time at Stansted and Gatwick airports. As a Chairperson and Non-executive Director, she currently leads the strategic direction of various companies. In 2023, Julia was recognised by the National Businesswomen Awards for a lifetime achievement award.

Julia said: “This group of business representatives is fantastic, we have real richness of experience and expertise and representation of a cross section of the economy in Greater Essex. Board members come from a variety of sectors - from ports, logistics and advanced manufacturing to construction and aviation - all have their role to play in supporting the economy.

“By coming together behind a common purpose; to encourage and support growth, we hope to make Essex stand out and compete for investment and grab the attention of policy makers to deliver new jobs and grow the economy in Greater Essex. Business is well placed to do this, together with our local authority partners.”

Working in partnership, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council led an open recruitment. Appointments were made by a selection panel of Members from each authority.

The Greater Essex Business Board’s members are:

• Alan Shaoul, DP World
• Alison Hartley, Teledyne
• Andrea Cunningham, Metal Culture
• Ann Scott, Federation of Small Businesses
• Bolaji Sofoluwe, ETK Group
• Christopher Lines, Leonardo
• Denise Rossiter, Essex Chambers of Commerce
• Edwin Strang, Industrial Chemicals
• Eoin Lyons, SS&C Financial Services
• Jacqui Dallimore, Rosalin Beach Hotel and Chair of Southend Tourism Partnership
• Lara Fox, Objective IT
• Mike Hardaker, MAG/Stansted Airport
• Ryan Liversage, Morgan Sindall
• Rupert Wood, Almcor
• Steve Beel, Freeport East
• Trevor Scott, Simarco
• Tim Price, Park City Consulting Ltd
• Professor Mohammed M Ali, Anglia Ruskin University
• Rob Singh, University of Essex

The board’s first meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 December in Southend.

By business, for business, with business, Members will play a key role in attracting investment, influencing job growth, advising on infrastructure and skills priorities, and overseeing future Government programmes.

The board’s work will compliment that of organisations such as the Essex Chamber of Commerce, which will be a key collaborator in areas such as skills.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “The creation of the Greater Essex Business Board will support our region’s economy to reach its full potential. The board will help to set economic direction by advising, advocating and lobbying for the interests of businesses across the area.

“I am hugely impressed by the collective experience and knowledge amongst its members, and we look forward to working closely with the board going forward.”

Councillor Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, says: “I am pleased to see the new members and chair appointed for the Greater Essex Business Board. I am looking forward to working with the new board to drive investment and growth at this important time for our area.”

Lee Watson, Cabinet Member for Good Growth, said: “The Greater Essex Business Board will play an important role in helping our region’s economy grow and prosper. I’m looking forward to working with the chair and the new board to ensure this growth delivers real benefits for Thurrock and for our residents.”

Members of the board are appointed on a yearly basis. The board will meet four times a year.

Find out more about the Greater Essex Business Board at: