Iain McNab, Head of Policy - Essex Chambers of Commerce
After spells in the health, construction and food & drink sectors Iain joined the then Manpower Services Commission in the faraway 1980s to work on adult & youth training schemes in London. He spent years in a variety of government departments and gained experience of dozens of UK government and EU initiatives, tending to focus on skills, work and regeneration programmes – and more recently on local growth and devolution. Joining the Chamber in late 2023, Iain’s role is to help Chambers’ members navigate central and local government policies which affect them and to represent the Chambers in a range of partnership settings in Essex and across the wider East of England region.

Tom Walker, Executive Director of People, Policy, Economy and Public Health - Essex County Council
Tom is leading on both Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation as well our Sustainable Growth agenda including business growth, sector strategy, skills and capital investment. Before joining Essex County Council in 2022, Tom was the Director of the Levelling Up Taskforce in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities responsible for writing the Levelling Up White Paper. Tom was a civil servant for over 23 years working on economic growth, regeneration, housing, planning and environment policy. He was previously Director of Environment Strategy at Defra (2019-21), Deputy Chief Executive at Homes England (2017-2019) and Director of the Cities and Local Growth Unit in BEIS and MHCLG (2014-2017).

Julia Gregory, Portfolio Chair & Non-Executive Director - Greater Essex Business Board
Julia has had an illustrious 30 plus year career, and held various executive, chairperson, and non-executive director roles, contributing significantly to both the public and private sector. She has led the strategic direction of multiple companies and has been involved in delivering nationally significant projects worth up to £7 billion. She has extensive experience working with local and national governments, fostering economic development, and promoting social impact. ​Her executive career includes significant roles at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, Buckinghamshire County Council, Gatwick Airport Limited, and BAA – Stansted Airport Limited​.

Andy Mead, Founder & Managing Director - The Finishing Line Ltd
Andy founded The Finishing Line after coming up with the name at 17 and launching the business seven years later. Since then, the business has grown through several moves and countless innovations. As Managing Director, Andy’s focus is on setting their vision, shaping strategy with the team, and making sure they remain a values-driven, safe, and great place to work. He oversees operations and ensures they have the right people and resources to deliver for their customers. A perfectionist and a workaholic by nature, Andy believes in building a team with diverse strengths. His focus now is on developing the next generation of leaders to take the business even further.

Shaun Pidcock, Programme Director  - Lower Thames Crossing.