Grant Thornton Unveils Faces of a Vibrant Economy in South Coast

 Six business and community leaders from the South Coast celebrated amongst 100 Faces inspiring leadership, innovation, and helping their communities across the UK
 

Grant Thornton UK LLP today unveils its inaugural list of people who are helping to shape a vibrant economy in the UK, one which realises the shared potential of businesses, cities, people and communities across the UK. On the South Coast, David Lees, Don Spalinger, Dr James McKenzie, Paul Boissier, Bertie Mills and Samantha Kingston have been named as Faces of a Vibrant Economy. 

The list has been curated as part of Grant Thornton’s purpose to shape a vibrant economy, and unlock the shared potential of the nation by working together with government, businesses and communities.

These Faces have been photographed by Magnum Photos, the international photography cooperative, as a celebration of the contribution they are making to a more vibrant economy.

David Lees, Don Spalinger, Dr James McKenzie, Paul Boissier, Bertie Mills and Samantha Kingston were named as leading figures from the public and private sector, emerging entrepreneurs and not-for-profit pioneers.

• David Lees, Southampton Airport has worked in the aviation industry for more than 20 years including roles at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.  Joining Southampton Airport in 2007, David’s role is now managing director and has made the airport the UK’s number one for service underpinned by its ‘Breeze Through’ brand positioning itself as ‘fast, easy and friendly’ compare to its London counterparts.  David is also driving efforts to reduce the airport’s environmental impact on the local area.

   

• Don Spalinger, SETsquared created the company as collaboration between the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey to make its mission to support the growth and success of new business opportunities through spin-outs, licensing and incubation.  It’s Don’s commitment to the vibrant economy to foster a more entrepreneurial society because businesses are the wealth creation engines of society. “For society to progress and evolve, the economy must grow and prosper,” says Don.  

   

• Dr James McKenzie, Photonstar is based in Hampshire but manufacturing from Wales, Photonstar designs and produces high quality eco-lighting for use in the commercial and architectural markets.  James has worked for a variety of companies in the field of lighting and LEDs and used this expertise to start the company in 2007.  Its products are particularly unique in the industry: they are mostly constructed from recycled materials generating 90 per cent less CO2, as well as offering vastly improved functionality when compared to products with similar capabilities.

   

• Paul Boissier, RNLI – Incumbent CEO of the RNLI, Paul has guided the charity that saves lives at sea and embraced innovation and technology.  RNLI is now designing and building all-weather lifeboats with the latest water jet technology from its manufacturing centre in Poole.  It’s also the first major organisation in the UK to introduce and accept Bitcoin, the digital currency.  Paul has spent much of his working life either at sea of closely involved with seafarers and has written three books on the sea.

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• Bertie Mills and Samantha Kingston, Virtual Umbrellas have since opening in March 2015, established itself as the world’s first marketing agency for virtual reality companies and brands.  Working in a fast paced and innovative industry has allowed them to operate in a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, engineering and more. 

“Virtual reality is allowing us to help create incredible content that will benefit working life for many, including professional training programmes and advancing education techniques,” said Bertie. 

The list showcases individuals who were proven to deliver against at least one of three categories: 

• Inspiring leadership – those individuals that have developed a culture that empowers, develops and motivates their people
• Innovation – individuals who are solving problems in an innovative way, or creating new ways and models of doing things
• Social purpose – people who are making a positive contribution to the wider local or national community

Norman Armstrong, partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Southampton office, said:

“Earlier this year we set out a clear purpose to shape a vibrant economy, and we know that no one organisation or individual can do this alone. Following the result of the EU referendum it is even more important than ever that we all work together to help the UK to build upon its strengths and ensure that our economy continues to grow.

“Today we’re celebrating the achievements of these six Faces driving a vibrant economy and sharing their stories to inspire others. Some are inspiring leaders, empowering their employees to reach their full potential. Others are using innovation to help their local communities, and some have created businesses with a clear, social purpose.

“We are connecting and convening these inspirational figures to help us unlock the true potential of the South Coast. Instead of seeking out the challenges, and focusing on the problems, we believe that by sharing inspiring examples from businesses, government and communities, we can look at how to replicate these across the UK for the good of the economy, and the communities in which we live and serve.”