Former Brighton police officer becomes new vice-chairman of regional enterprise agency

A former Sussex Police officer has become vice-chairman of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Steve Allen, who was born in Brighton, said: “I’m delighted to have become vice-chairman of the Coast to Capital LEP.

“The organisation has a vital role to play in driving the economic growth of our region forward and I’m passionate about ensuring that we take full advantage of the opportunities which lie ahead.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping to unlock the potential of our region, working alongside businesses, entrepreneurs, policy makers and the third sector – at the invitation of government.”

Steve Allen

Mr Allen is the chief executive of the national charity Friends of the Elderly, having set up the elderly care business Prime Care Community Services in 2001. It became part of the Circle Housing Group in July last year.

He is also the vice-chairman of the board of the United Kingdom Home Care Association.

He previously spent a decade leading multinational consulting teams resolving sensitive boardroom and operational issues as a director of a subsidiary of Hambros Bank in the City of London.

The LEP chief executive Ron Crank said: “Steve has a strong business background in a number of industries and has recently moved into the third sector.

“We will benefit from his experience in a variety of ways.

“He understands the work which needs to be done in the Coast to Capital region to strengthen our economic vitality and significantly increase sustainable private sector jobs.”

The LEP recently announced investment worth more than £30 million in the Brighton and Hove area over the next few years.