Meet the Team

James Ford
Business Engagement and Growth Hub Manager
James.ford@solentlep.org.uk

James was appointed to the role of Business Engagement and Growth Hub Manager at the Solent LEP in April 2018. Before joining the LEP James was Business development Manager at Southampton Football Club and was responsible for sourcing and activating new partnerships with both small and large employers. James’s Previous roles included Project Manager & Mobilisation Manager and Head of Apprenticeships and Employability, whereby James was responsible for the implementation of new contracts, Business engagement and operational delivery across numerous regions throughout England.
Prior to this James was a professional football player with AFC Bournemouth and Personal trainer, having set up and created his own business.

Rebecca Lawler
Solent LEP Growth Hub Admin Coordinator
rebecca.lawler@solentlep.org.uk

Becky joined the Solent LEP in 2019 after 3 years working with the Solent Growth Hub to assist SME’s in the region to access funding and support.   Previous to this Becky has worked in Evaluation and monitoring, reconciliations within the financial services industry and has gained varied skills in customer service focused roles.
Becky moved to the area from Buckinghamshire to gain a BA hons in Photography from Solent University and has remained in the Solent area ever since.

Jayne Sime
Solent LEP Growth Hub Adviser
jayne.sime@solentlep.org.uk

Jayne joined the Solent LEP in 2018 after 3 years working with the Solent Growth Hub to assist SME’s in the region to access funding and support.  Previously, Jayne has held business development roles within both the publishing and recruitment industries.

Jayne holds a degree in English Literature and Philosophy from the University of Hertfordshire, and has gained valuable experience creating and running her own business.

Lloyd Attrill
Solent LEP Growth Hub Adviser
lloyd.attrill@solentlep.org.uk

Lloyd joined the Solent LEP Growth Hub in February 2020 as a Business Support Executive. Prior to joining the LEP, Lloyd worked within a global procurement company where he gained experience of logistics and international trade.

Lloyd holds a degree in Business Enterprise and Innovation, and having experienced the challenges of starting and running his own small business, is passionate about supporting start-ups and small enterprises and aims to build on the fantastic support already provided by the growth hub team.