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Who's Who at Action For Market Towns
These are the people who enable Action For Market Towns. Chief Executive
Chris has nearly twenty years experience in environmental management and rural affairs as well as a strong background in running independent rural development organisations. He joined AMT as Chief Executive in 2004. Chris has three post-graduate qualifications in relevant disciplines, including most recently a Masters degree in community enterprise from the University of Cambridge Business School. Chris is a board member of the Development Trusts Association and Chair of its Policy and Communications Committee. For the last two years he has served as Vice Chair of both the South East Rural Towns Partnership and the Yorkshire and the Humber Market Towns Network.
Anna will be the person you usually speak to in the first instance when calling the AMT office. Anna holds a Masters Degree in Contemporary European Studies from Loughborough University. Her first Degree in Public Administration, strengthens her administrative background. Anna's commitment to customer focus stems from dealing with clients in a legal practice, as a fee earning Legal Secretary. As Membership Co-ordinator, Anna deals with all aspects of membership services, recruitment and insurance. She also supports the team by providing all aspects of administration including arranging meetings and travel, coordinating the office diaries, updating the website, supporting events and responding to general correspondence. If you wish to contact her you can call the office between 9.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday or email her at anna.mcgowan@towns.org.uk
Irene is a horticulturist by profession, a field in which she worked internationally for 20 years. She comes from a strong commercial business background having worked in both logistics and purchasing in the UK and Holland. She studied horticulture at WyeCollege, LondonUniversity, as well as a liberal arts degree in California, USA. She returned from Guernsey with her husband to live in Suffolk seven years ago. Irene has previously adapted office management and administration systems to improve efficiency and performance within an office, as well as project managed the design and implementation of a new company computer system. Prior to joining AMT the majority of her last five years were spent organising and marketing business events to the Institute of Directors in Norfolk, as well as free-lance work in a diverse set of disciplines. Irene’s menagerie in the converted barn where she lives, includes two Devon Rexes and five Indian Runners. As a charity trustee she has experience and training in policy governance, and assists in an online trustee training programme for new trustees. Irene has been charged with the smooth running of the AMT office alongside the implementation of a financial and performance monitoring system; and assisting with the Big Lottery Fund application.
With Tom's invaluable computer skills he ensures the smooth running of information technology within Action for Market Towns. He also provides website support and deals with on-line queries for AMT Members and MTN Users. You can contact him by calling the office between 9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday or by email at tom.simpson@towns.org.uk and he will be happy to help you!
Hannah is a business development manager with 10 years national and international experience. Currently responsible for the creation of Action for Market Town's research and consulting division, Hannah has proven ability to build and manage teams, identify and secure new business and develop strong customer relationships. In this role Hannah has also demonstrated an ability to manage large scale projects and successfully research and evaluate programmes of regeneration for market towns. Prior to joining AMT, Hannah spent four years working as an independent consultant in marketing, sales and business development. Most recently developing the UK market for a New York based software company with development teams in Budapest, Hungary. Hannah worked for a number of years in an artificial intelligence software firm in New York, where she played an instrumental role in developing the business from less than 20 to 130 employees and raising in excess of 10 million dollars investment. Hannah is responsible for developing amt-i as the enterprise arm of Action for Market Towns and can be contacted on 07818 068982 or by email hannah.bowden@towns.org.uk. Currently on Maternity Leave.
Over the last 5 years Mike has worked in both Research and Regeneration roles. From 2002 he worked as a Researcher for VT Careers Management, before taking up a more senior position in the consultancy arm of VT in late 2005. 12 months ago Mike joined NorthamptonshireCounty Council’s newly formed Rural Renewal Unit (RRU). The RRU has been delivering the Rural Pathfinder Project across the County, addressing a wide range of issues affecting those living and working in rural localities, such as transport, education, health, training and access to recreational facilities. Mike graduated with a B.A (Hons) Geography and History Degree from StaffordshireUniversity in 1997, and has continued his educational career by gaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences in 2005. An avid historian, Mike is currently completing his dissertation for an M.A in History from the Open University. Mike is a specialist in the application of Qualitative Research methodologies in both the academic and public and private sector settings. He has vast experience in the design, implementation, analysis and presentation of a variety projects via the use of focus groups, interviews and community mapping. Outside of the working environment, Mike is a keen footballer, playing to a CountyLeague standard, and managing the successful Woburn Sands Wanderers. Other interests include travel, reading, cricket and looking after his pets. If you wish to contact Mike please call 07818 068982, or alternatively e-mail him at mike.king@towns.org.uk Mike’s hours of work are, Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.
In the course of an eclectic career, John has worked as a journalist, John lives in a village close to the East Riding of Yorkshire market town John is responsible for implementing AMT's communications strategy,
After graduating from Lancaster University Sally used an enterprise allowance grant to open a sports shop, Liquorice Allsports, in her home town of Dartmouth, Devon. Five years later she moved to Cambridge to work for a national chain of Sports Shops as a Training Manager responsible for the vocational development of over 1000 company employees. A move to the public sector as Project Manager for Dacorum Borough Council enabled Sally to research, construct and submit bids for European Social Funding. Over five years she secured £5 million to fund the innovative and highly successful business academies ASE, ABEX and 4BEX, which advised, trained and supported over 2000 small businesses in most of Hertfordshire. Sally works from her office in Hemel Hempstead and is contactable on 07881 827600 during office hours (Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm) or email sally.williams@towns.org.uk.
Camilla has a wide ranging regeneration background, including programme management and advisory roles in economic and community regeneration. She has a Masters in Agricultural Economics from Wye College, University of London, a background in economic and social geography and over 10 years international development experience. Camilla brings experience of appraising and developing projects for funding, of developing good practice materials and of linking strategy and practice. Much of her experience to date is with third sector organisations. Particular areas of interest include employment creation, sustainable communities and environmental sustainability. She enjoys working in a collaborative fashion with others. Camilla is Vice Chair of her local Market Town Renaissance community partnership, Marsden and Slaithwaite Renaissance and has been instrumental in developing its vision and pushing forward the associated projects. She is also a Governor of her local primary school. Camilla normally works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the Integreat Yorkshire Office in Leeds and half day Wednesday and Friday from home. She can be contacted on her mobile (07818074285) or by email on camilla.govan@towns.org.uk
Robyn came to England in 1999, after studying Urban Planning in Toronto, Canada. She completed a Masters Degree in Urban Regeneration at the University of Westminster, London and began her career at BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association). At BURA, Robyn was responsible for delivering their four Best Practice Awards and was a panel member of the BURA Charitable Trust Award for Community Regeneration. She also managed the Research Department at BURA and has worked on research projects with SEEDA and the ODPM. As the South East Regional Network Co-ordinator, Robyn's responsibilities include providing information and advice channels on key issues, raising awareness of the South East Rural Towns Partnership SERTP and the needs of small rural towns, organising a network for County Co-ordinators to share best practice and supporting towns with the Market Towns Healthcheck process. Robyn works on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.00am to 5.00pm and she is contactable tel no: 07771 962374 or by email at robyn.woronka@towns.org.uk Currently on Maternity Leave.
Chris has lived in Caterham, Surrey on and off since the age of 10. Recent background has been as a Healthcheck Chairman (ABC - A Better Caterham) for 2 years and he set up as a consultant in Customer Monitoring five years ago as a business. Prior to that Chris worked in IT for IBM, Cray Research and Sun Microsystems, holding a number of technical, sales, business development and management positions in UK and Europe. Over the last three years at Sun he specialised in tracking customer satisfaction and behaviour on a large scale throughout Europe and participated in various business improvement exercises, which meant he was a natural fit for helping with the healthcheck in Caterham. Experience includes active participation in all aspects of a healthcheck, including surveys, research, analysis, reporting, project identification and the building of a network of volunteers & partners. Chris is fulfilling the role of coordinator on an interim basis for SERTP and the Towns Alive programme. Another role is to help create an improved Healthcheck process.
Julian has been involved with pioneering work in town centre management for a number of years. From 1985 to 2000, he led Kent County Council's IMPACT urban regeneration team, which won national awards and international recognition for its work in environmental improvement and community involvement. He now works as an independent consultant, and as an associate consultant with the Civic Trust, with whom he is responsible for the development of pilot programmes in partnership with the Countryside Agency, in particular the pilot "Main Street" demonstration programme in East Cambridgeshire. Deeply concerned for the prospects of small communities, and their ability to determine their own future, he has helped form links with other organisations to share experience. He has wide knowledge and practical experience of the American Main Street programme, which has given him a unique perspective of the issues faced by traditional downtowns in both countries.
Teresa is a planner by profession and has worked for Action In Rural Sussex, based in Lewes, for 10 years. As rural enterprise manager she is involved with small towns that have become concerned about their status and economic future, and has developed projects and initiatives to address some of the issues. Action In Rural Sussex is currently leading on a small towns SRB programme in the Southeast that will provide support and funding for market town projects. Teresa feels that, through Action for Market Towns, the sharing of best practice, the networking of ideas, and raising issues at a national level, can help to make a difference. It also complements her work at a local level. The Directors
Currently leading a new SRB project based around Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. The project includes work on the development of sustainable tourism, improvements to the local tourism infrastructure, development of the local supply chain and links with market towns as gateways to the famous Roman Wall. Previously worked on tourism development in the North Pennines, based in the market town of Alston and in Calderdale in the South Pennines. Born and bred in a market town, living in one now and committed to their continued prosperity.
Carol is Secretary of the Market Drayton Civic Society, which she has supported in many roles for many years. This has demanded liaison and collaboration with both the general public and local authorities over planning and a variety of other matters. She is the Community Representative on the Market Drayton Economic Development Forum, and at present is Acting Chairman. She is also Chairman of the Forum’s MTI Programme Steering Group, having been involved with the Programme from the beginning. In addition she is a director of North Shropshire Tourism. Carol is currently part of the team rehousing and refurbishing the Town Museum.
Philip’s career has until recent years been in public transport. Ultimately he was Managing Director of a stagecoach group company having held several management positions. He moved into business education/training where he managed a centre and some European-funded projects. He is now employed in community development with Cambs ACRE. He has been a Parish Councillor for twelve years approximately in three locations including Mayor of City of Ely. He now chairs City of Ely Perspective having been a member for approximately five years.
Peter Godfrey was born and bred in Kent, educated in Rochester, and has studied statistics. He has worked at East Malling Research Station and later the Medical Research Council. He later entered Industry, working in accounts; production and HR where he spent over twenty years at board level mainly with international companies. In 1990 he set up his own consultancy company providing a full range of services and training in relation to Human Resources before developing into providing training in IT. He is currently Chair elect of the Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum, and Clerk to Lechlade on Thames Town Council, as well as a member of the South Oxford Bench to which he was appointed in 1988. Peter was Mayor of Rochester between 1972-74
Catherine a Chartered Surveyor with a background in commercial property. Since 2001 she has been a Project Co-ordinator for Stamford Vision. She has established really active working groups delivering their Vision and the private sector has had a major input both in time and financial contributions. This year they received a significant grant from the Welland SSP to deliver refurbished space for economic use and improve the public realm. As part of this she has managed a design competition, supported by cabe and English Heritage to improve two central public spaces. Catherine's commercial property background allied to her hands-on experience helps to make a valuable contribution to the Board.
From 1995 - 2002 Ray was the Chair of the Foundation for Urban and Regional Research (Charity). From 1983 - 1985 he was a member of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission on Urban Priority Areas that reported as Faith in the City. He combines a feet on the ground approach reflected in his activities in Bishop's Castle, where he lives with a professional expertise in urban and rural economy stretching over 40 years.
Gordon Morris, an engineer by profession, trained and served with the Royal Navy until 1976, when he left to work in industry, initially as a sonar engineer, and eventually as a partner in a consultancy specialising in water conservation. After a spell lecturing in Further and Higher Education he joined the Rural Development Commission as a Business Adviser in 1993. In 1999, he joined the Countryside Agency, where he worked on various aspects of rural regeneration, including the Market Towns Initiative and Beacon Towns Programme, both of which he helped to design and manage. He left the Countryside Agency in 2005, and now works as a freelance writer and researcher. Gordon’s particular interest is in rural policy, mainly in the UK, but also overseas. In addition to his work in England, he has visited Australia as a guest of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. (www.bankofideas.com.au) as part of joint Canadian-New Zealand , UK and Australian rural development team. He has also taken part in a North America-UK Countryside Exchange programme (www.cei-associates.org), and has visited The Gambia, where, thanks to an invitation from a community “twinning” organization (www.build-online.org.uk), he was lucky enough to be able live with a Muslim family in Gunjur for a week in order to learn about their way of live and forms of governance. Gordon is a Corporate Member of the Institutes of Management and Incorporated Engineers. He has a Post-graduate Diploma and an MSc in Rural Development from the University of Plymouth/Seale Hayne, and is a part-time PhD student at the University of Exeter, where he is investigating aspects of rural deprivation in England.
Daniel’s first job was with Cheltenham Borough Council in July 1996 as Park Ranger, progressing up to managing the Allotments for the Council. By moving into regeneration in 2001, he developed his career further working in deprived coalfield communities acting as a project manager for Groundwork, in South Yorkshire. As the Rural Regeneration Officer for Gloucestershire First (the County’s economic development partnership) Daniel spent the last few years working with and establishing Market Town partnerships, in close collaboration with the South West of Regional Development Agency’s Market Towns Initiative - and subsequently the Market and Coastal Towns Association. Originally employed to support the development of the Market Towns Healthcheck model, Daniel’s role evolved to provide practical guidance on strategic issues affecting Market Town communities, whist trying to embrace and support the development of key strategic projects across the County. Whilst supporting a number of communities directly, Daniel maintained a close working relationship with the majority of market towns in Gloucestershire and their various stakeholders including Local Authorities. Daniel understands the complexities and frustrations associated with partnership working and especially in working with Regional Development Agencies. In his current role Daniel also provides management support and advice to the Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum and its Board of Directors; and has been focusing specifically on helping make the organisation become more sustainable and independent.
Edward is a Member of the Chartered Management Institute and a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants. He has 23 years experience as a Senior Manager in both the public and private sectors. Edward is employed as the Town Clerk of Sleaford and has been a town resident for over 25 years. Edward fully understands the needs of rapidly growing market towns and is acutely aware of the threats they face. In his present position he is well placed to influence other authorities and organisations on behalf of the Town Council, and could also such influence through Action for Market Towns.
Sue has lived in the North East for 30 years working in various urban and rural authorities in the region, particularly in rural Northumberland since 1994. As Rural Development Programme Officer for Northumberland, during 2001 Sue worked with partners to prepare the MTI bid for Northumberland which secured MTI status for 8 towns in the County. In 2004 two further towns were granted similar status. In 2005, as Rural Development Executive for Northumberland Strategic Partnership, Sue led the development of the NSP’s commissioning framework for market town investment for 2006-2008 resulting in the continuation of core revenue funding for 9 market town partnerships (development trusts), and capital funding for regeneration projects in those towns. Recently, Sue has managed NSP’s contract with Miller Research to undertake retail distinctiveness studies in four market towns in Northumberland. Sue led the preparation of NSP’s outline investment plan for market towns for 2008-2011 based on their development as tourist attractions and the implementation of retail distinctiveness action plan. Since 2005 Sue also works with the Development Trust’s Association (DTA) and Federation of Northumberland Development Trusts (FoNDT) to raise the profile of development trusts in Northumberland, embed them within the wider policy and strategic context and encourage enterprise activity and asset development.
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Chris Wade
