MATT TURNER
CEO | CREATIVE POD | Director | Young Start-up TALent
CREATIVEPOD.UK.COM
At just 20 years old, Matt started his own business, which has since led to him winning a number of awards, including 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' and 'Business Person of the Year' at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. This entrepreneurial spirit inspired Matt to become one of the founding partners of Young Start-up Talent, with a view to encourage and motivate young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. On top of this, Matt is also CEO of his own group of companies, The Creative Group, which includes an award-winning full-service design, marketing and print agency based in the South East.
LORRAINE NUGENT
MANAGING DIRECTOR | Young Start-Up Talent/PR Specialist at Wildwood PR
WILDWOODPR.COM
As well as being one of the Founding Partners for Young Start-up Talent, Lorraine is also a Public Relations Specialist based in the heart of the South East at Wildwood PR. She has no shortage of expertise in media relations, having previously worked for a prominent leading newspaper group, managing a business paper in addition to running a PR Agency. Lorraine has developed strong links in both local, national and international media. Lorraine acts for a variety of international tech type clients. In 2014, Lorraine won the ‘Influential Woman of the Year Award’ at the NatWest Venus Awards for Sussex.
JOHN REDFERN
Director - South East region | natwest
natwest.com
John has worked in financial services for 25 years. He qualified as a chartered accountant in London with PwC, before moving to Natwest bank where he now runs the corporate banking team serving companies in the South East. His favourite part of the job is meeting the entrepreneurs who are owner-managers of their own businesses. He enjoys hearing their innovative ideas and discussing how the bank can help finance their plans for growth. John’s wife runs her own business. His children are teenagers, so he is excited by how creative the younger generation can be with business ideas!
DAVID KICKHAM
Deputy VP Industrial Operations |
THALES GROUP
www.thalesgroup.com
Dave Kickham joined Thales in 1986 having completed degrees in Physics & Electronics at Leeds & Southampton Universities. He started at Thales as a Software Engineer and spent the early part of his career in Engineering focusing on Ground based & Airborne Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems. He then led teams in Quality, Programme Management & Business Improvements.
ANA CHRISTIE
CEO
www.sussexchamber.co.uk
Ana has substantial business experience both in the UK and internationally. Ana’s career began in aviation in ground operations working both at Gatwick and Heathrow airports before progressing into hospitality in London at Marble Arch Marriott hotel, and subsequently working on the construction and development of the London Marriott hotel at County Hall.
Managing the London Aquarium as General Manager was her first management role. Ana was Executive Vice President of an executive recruitment and human resources consultancy in the Philippines before working for the British Deputy High Commission in India in entry clearance (visas and immigration). On her return to Britain, Ana joined Fisher Clinical Services managing a team of project managers providing packaging and distribution requirements of clinical trials across the world. Ana’s most challenging role was when she when she joined the Sussex Chamber of Commerce in May 2014 as Chief Executive and has since grown and developed the organisation.
Mario Carrozzo
CEO | Caridon Property
Mario acquired and developed his first property aged 18 and he used the experience to expand his skills in planning, construction and housing, developing a wealth of contacts in the property and banking sector along the way.
His instinctive ability to source an opportunity whilst adding value is fundamental, making him a true entrepreneur and property magnate.
In 2009, Mario founded Caridon Property Ltd, having identified a gap in the market to assist individuals hit by a troubled economy. Using his infinite knowledge and experience as a landlord, he pioneered one of the first rent guarantee schemes in London, assuring a reliable income for landlords and a guarantor for vulnerable tenants who were struggling to find accommodation
A highly respected property entrepreneur, industry campaigner and dedicated family man, Mario continues to apply the same hands-on approach and determination to every project he undertakes. His passionate conviction towards social responsibility guides the vision of Caridon, whilst pledging a commitment to create new opportunities and fairer housing for all.
Jon Maile
Audit Partner | Practice Leader | Grant Thornton UK LLP
www.grantthornton.co.uk
Jon is an experienced audit partner based in the Gatwick office, with more than 20 years' working with a wide range of clients from listed corporates to entrepreneurial mid corporates based in South-East England.
Jon's client portfolio consists of entities in the information technology, support services, professional practice, healthcare, manufacturing and motor retail industries. He has a particular focus in working with businesses with international operations, or who have ambitions to expand their business overseas.
His role as Practice Leader for the Gatwick office, sees Jon working closely with the leadership team to ensure they continue to deliver a proactive and value-added service to our dynamic client base in the South East of England.
AKEEL ALIDINA
Managing Director | Caridon Property
Akeel started his own company and made a profit aged just 15 years old, before becoming the top seller at a leading telecommunications provider whilst completing his college education. In 2007, Akeel graduated with a BSc in Economics and it was during this time that he began investing and managing a small portfolio of properties in London via professional room shares and HMOs while attaining his degree.
He gained corporate experience working for GE Money Home Lending as an Intern Project Manager where he was awarded a Green Belt Six Sigma accreditation and led on a high profile Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) compliance project.
Akeel joined Caridon soon after its inception and has played an instrumental role in the strategic development of the organisation. He continues to play an integral part in driving business growth and as Managing Director, he is tasked with the company’s expansion plans across the UK.
In his spare time, Akeel is heavily involved in his local community, mentoring young students and entrepreneurs with their professional development in preparation for further education and the work place.