Who's Who at Cornwall Enterprise

Cornwall Enterprise has seven divisions, with a senior management team who report to the Board of Directors. The Board is a mix of private sector and public sector representatives.  If you wish to speak to any member of the Corporate Management Team please call our main switchboard on 01872 322800.

If you would like to contact any of the Directors on our Board please contact: 
Ruth White, Secretary to the Board of Directors.  Tel: 01872 322835 or Email

John Berry, Managing Director Executive Division - Email

Nicky Pooley, Head of Finance & Administration - Email

Nigel Ashcroft, Head of Enterprise Services - Email

Neil Robertson, Head of Partnership and Fund Services - Email

Len Smith, Head of Project Development - Email

Board of Directors

Chair - Cllr Bert Biscoe As a member of the County Council since 1997, Bert is passionate about the regeneration of Cornwall. His experience before serving on the Council was varied, including working in the creative industries and playing in several rock bands! Bert has a vast experience in Cornwall County Council, and has a keen interest in the counties environment, heritage and future regeneration funding through his previous work in CCC.   As a member of the former Economic Development Committee and a vice-chair on the Objective One Image and Brand Project Steering Group, Bert Biscoe is well placed to take the steer of a company key to the future economic success of Cornwall.

Vice-Chair - Joyce Mepsted A Liberal Democrat Councillor, Joyce is a member of Saltash Town Council, and was the town's Mayor from 2002-2003.  She was formerly the head of a unit for children with special educational needs and has written books on special needs.  She is a member of the mangement committee for two youth clubs and is a Vice Chair of Governors for a local school.

Charles Williams One of two private sector Directors, Charles started his career as a Merchant Banker but returned to Cornwall in 1987 to manage the family business of Burncoose & South Down Nurseries. In 15 years, Charles has expanded the business to become a household name, winning consistent gold medal awards at Chelsea & Hampton Court Palace. Charles is also a Board Member of South West Investment Group and he is involved in running a range of other small businesses.

Gilbert McCabe Another representative for the private sector, Gilbert was born in Ireland and educated at Oxford University. He spent his early career in investment banking in Europe and the USA. Fifteen years ago, Gilbert moved to Cornwall and set up a Bio Science partnership. Formerly a Director of the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, Gilbert now sits on the Peninsula Medical School Steering Group. He also chairs the Cornwall Dermatology Research Project.

Rex Sadler Rex Sadler was elected leader of Kerrier Council in May 2000 and was re-elected in the subsequent four years.

Lizzie Beesley Lizzie Beesley is BT's Regional Director for the South West.  Lizzie has a PhD in physics, and worked in the Cabinet Office and Treasury before joining BT.  She has wide experience of engineering management, and has led a range of major IT and other change projects.  Nick Buckland Nick Buckland is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Information Technology Practitioner, a fellow of the British Computer Society and royal Society of Arts, a Governor of Plymouth University and is on the Baord of Devon and Cornwall Learning and Skills Council.  He holds a number of company directorships and sits on the DTi;s Technology and Strategy Board. James Staughton James Staughton is Managing Director of St Austell Brewery, was Chairman of the Cornwall Tourism Forum and has become a private sector representative on the CE Board. Bryan Rawlins Bryan is the Liberal Democrat Councillor for the Mount Charles ward of St Austell, and has been a Cornwall County Councillor since June 2001, as well as being a member of Restormel Borough Council.

Dame Annette Egerton A Liberal Democrat Councillor, Annette has been awarded a DBE.  She is a member of the Cabinet of Restormel Borough Council and a Governor of Grampound-with-Creed Church of England School.  She is also a Patron of Penhaligon's Friends and a Trustee of the David Penhaligon Memorial Trust.  Annette is also involved with various local charities.