Brighton students have new business mentor

Students at a Brighton college have a new business mentor with the appointment of an entrepreneur in residence.

Gary Anderson, the former chairman of the Sussex branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD), has taken on the role at City College Brighton and Hove for the new academic year.

He takes over from Nigel Lambe, who runs Small Batch Coffee, the brewer WJ King and Velo Cafés and was City College’s first entrepreneur in residence.

Mr Anderson’s role is partly a sign of the college’s commitment to enterprise and innovation.

He will have an office at the college and will support students and staff in developing entrepreneurship in practice and planning.

Itziar Leighton and Gary Anderson

He will also attend surgeries to give advice and guidance.

Mr Anderson has been an owner manager of several companies, buying, running and selling businesses for more than 20 years.

And for the past six years he has run his own advisory business, working predominantly with high-growth or distressed businesses at home and abroad.

Mr Anderson, an avid fan of Brighton and Hove Albion, is married with two daughters and lives locally.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the City College team and am looking forward to working with students and staff to promote entrepreneurship, enterprise and commercial awareness.

“I also look forward to acting as a conduit between the college and the local business community, hopefully bringing the two closer together than ever before.”

Itziar Leighton, City College’s director of commercial and enterprise, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve secured someone with Gary’s depth of business knowledge and experience to take on this role.

“Encouraging enterprise and innovation is a key focus at the college and we’ve every confidence that Gary will build on what Nigel achieved during his time here, continuing to nurture passion and self-belief in young entrepreneurs.”