Henry Powell has been appointed as the new independent Chair of the West Sussex Economic Growth Board (WSEGB), bringing more than 30 years of business and regional economic leadership experience to the role.
The WSEGB brings together representatives from business, local government and education to provide strategic leadership on economic issues affecting West Sussex and support delivery of the county’s Economic Strategy.
Powell’s appointment comes as new regional arrangements take shape across Sussex. As Chair of the WSEGB, he will also sit on the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority’s Business Advisory Board, providing a direct link between West Sussex’s business community and the new regional economic leadership structures.
Powell brings extensive private sector experience to the role. He is Commercial Director of Sharpak Healthcare and Inpress Precision, businesses he co-acquired in 2011, and has led their growth through acquisition and organic expansion. He previously chaired the Coastal West Sussex Partnership between 2018 and 2023, working with public and private sector partners on investment, skills and business growth.
His work has also included a focus on ESG and community impact. Through a partnership with HM Prison and Probation Service, he has helped support more than 135 people into employment, creating opportunities to develop skills and build sustainable careers.
Henry Powell said:
“West Sussex has a strong and dynamic economy, with ambitious businesses, skilled people and thriving communities. I look forward to working with partners across the county to support businesses, encourage investment and help create the conditions for sustainable economic growth and opportunity.”
The appointment comes at an important point for West Sussex, with the county’s Economic Strategy identifying priorities including growing high-value sectors and innovation networks, strengthening public-private collaboration, attracting investment and international trade, and maximising the benefits of the region’s international transport hubs. The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone is identified within the strategy’s delivery framework.
For the wider Gatwick Region, stronger collaboration between business, education and the public sector will be important as the area continues to develop its investment proposition and support growth across sectors including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital and AI, clean energy and the knowledge economy.
The appointment also strengthens the business voice within the evolving regional structures across Sussex, providing an opportunity to connect local economic priorities with the wider investment, skills and infrastructure agenda.
