Brighton and Hove Business Growth Board Seeks New Chair to Shape the City's Economic Future
Brighton and Hove Business Growth Board is looking for a new Chair to help shape the future of the city's economy, with applications open until Monday 6 July 2026
The Brighton and Hove Business Growth Board is seeking an experienced leader to take on the role of Chair. The position offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership at what the board describes as a pivotal moment for the city's economy, helping to embed a strong and diverse business voice in economic decision-making and to shape the delivery of Brighton and Hove's Economic Plan.
The role is not remunerated. Applications close on Monday 6 July 2026 at midnight.
What the role involves
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Business Growth Board, ensuring it fulfils its mission to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth for Brighton and Hove. Acting as a key ambassador for the city's business community, the Chair will foster collaboration between business, public, voluntary, community and academic partners.
Key responsibilities include chairing quarterly Board meetings and overseeing Executive Committee sessions, acting as a principal advocate for Brighton and Hove's business interests at local, regional and national levels, ensuring diverse and inclusive representation on the Board, advising strategic partnerships such as the Greater Brighton City Region, and overseeing Board governance, effectiveness reviews and major city business events.
Who they are looking for
The board is keen to hear from individuals with significant senior leadership experience in business, the public sector or civic organisations. A strong understanding of economic development, strategic planning and partnership working is essential, along with experience of chairing boards or groups with diverse stakeholder representation. Excellent communication, facilitation and ambassadorial skills are required, as is a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion and the long-term economic and social wellbeing of Brighton and Hove.
What the council and board are saying
Deputy Council Leader Jacob Taylor said it is an exciting time for Brighton and Hove, with devolution and an increased focus on local growth, and called it a great opportunity to shape the future of a brilliant, vibrant and diverse local economy.
Gavin Stewart, Board Executive Director, said he sees the role of Chair as a real opportunity to bring people together around a clear and positive vision for the city. He said it is about providing thoughtful leadership and encouraging genuine collaboration between partners so that good ideas do not just stay as ideas but turn into practical outcomes that make a difference for residents, businesses and communities. He added that with the right approach it should not feel onerous, it is about bringing the right people into the room, asking the right questions, and ensuring Brighton and Hove continues to thrive in a way that stays true to its unique character.
How to apply
Expressions of interest should outline relevant experience, motivation for the role, and approach to inclusive economic leadership. Applicants should provide a cover letter of no more than two pages along with a CV, sent to Gavin Stewart, Executive Director of the Brighton and Hove Growth Board, at gavin@brightonandhovegrowthboard.co.uk.
The closing date for expressions of interest and applications is Monday 6 July 2026 at midnight. Shortlisting and informal discussions will take place the week commencing 6 July, with interviews and selection in mid-July, formal appointment by the board in late July, and induction and the initial board meeting in September 2026.
Full role details and the Chair job description are available at businessbrightonandhove.co.uk.
For more Brighton and Hove business and council news, read our coverage of Brighton and Hove City Council's progress on pay equity and the Brighton Seafront Transformation Plans 2026. For daily local news follow ImJustBrighton.
