EDDABoard

The East Durham Development Agency (EDDA) Board has the following members:

Chair

Nigel Hardy

Owns two local businesses, Fastrak Solutions and Harluk Associates

Directors

Ian Prescott

Ian Prescott left a diverse career which included roles as market trader and professional footballer to spend over a decade as Principal of East Durham and Houghall Community College.

With a clear commitment to best management techniques Ian has taken the College from a struggling local institution to one which embraces innovation and offers opportunities over a wide range of levels and subjects. Always keen to find new ways to encourage people to engage in education he established the first football academy in the country, and was consulted by government over ways to attract disenfranchised youth. Quick to respond to emerging emphasis on success rates he initiated a broad range of measures which took the College into the top decile for national performance.

With expert teaching and successful learning firmly established he looks forward to the coming era in which a new building provides local learners with high-quality facilities and an environment in which they can prosper.

David Collins - Barclays Bank, Corporate

David is Corporate Manager for Barclays Bank PLC in the East Durham Area. In this role he manages the relationships of a portfolio of business customers, with primary focus being in the SME market. David also specialises in the Further Education arena, working closely with local Colleges.

David is married to Joanne, a Civil Servant, and enjoys spending quality time with his two sons Jack (5) and Harry (3). David has a keen interest in football (both playing and watching) and Fishing.

David is a Governor of East Durham & Houghall Community College, the Secretary of the Hospital Trust of Hartlepool, a member of the Hartlepool Business Leaders Forum and Governor of St Patrick’s R C Primary School.

David believes that East Durham Business Service continues to have a vital role to play in the ongoing progress and development of the District. Through the feedback of his customers, he regularly sees the tangible benefits that the service brings to local enterprise, at all stages of business life.

Steven Defty

Philadelphia Structures Ltd

Janet Johnson

Janet is a trained planner by profession but has specialised in economic development and regeneration. She began her working career with Durham County Council before moving on to Sedgefield Borough Council to head the Economic Development Service, subsequently launching a public/private partnership; Sedgefield Borough Business Service.

Janet joined the District of Easington in September 2002 as Director of Regeneration and Development, with responsibilities including Regeneration and Partnerships, Community Regeneration, Business Services, Planning and Building Control, Housing Strategy and Asset and Property Management.

She was Chief Executive of District of Easington Council from July 2004 to March 2009.

Janet is a Board Member of East Durham Development Agency and a member of the Board of Governors of East Durham and Houghall Community College.

Janet is married with 3 children.

Ian West

Seaward Electronic Ltd

Paul Wilding

Paul Wiliding Associates Ltd

Paul had a long career in local government, mainly with the District of Easington, working in planning and economic development, before becoming Director of Development and Director of Corporate Services. He was Chief Executive for the Council for nearly 4 years until 2004. He then established his own consultancy, Paul Wilding Associates Ltd, specialising in organisational development and interim management, which he jointly runs with his wife Frances who is a fully qualified trainer. He was Interim Chief Executive for the North East Assembly and until October 2007 was Chief Executive of South Tyneside Homes which manages nearly 18,000 homes for South Tyneside Council with a staff of over 700. Paul has an adult daughter, Lucy, from a previous marriage. He lives in the District of Easington and enjoys outdoor pursuits, sport and music.

About Us

EDDABoard

The East Durham Development Agency (EDDA) Board has the following members:

Chair

David Collins - Barclays Bank, Corporate