Grays Town Deal - Governance
Grays Town Board
As part of the original Towns Fund bid, a Town Deal Board was required to develop and agree a Town Investment Plan (TIP) which sets out a clear vision and strategic projects for the Town.
The Grays Town Board is a partnership of key stakeholders from the public, private and third sector which have a strong presence in Grays.
In partnership with the council’s Regeneration Team, the board will help implement the Town Investment Plan (TIP) submitted as part of Thurrock Council’s Town Fund Bid. The board will also provide strategic direction for the town’s growth and prosperity.
Grays Town Board Members
Interim Chair:
- Neil Woodbridge, CEO – Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions CIC
Neil Woodbridge is the founding CEO of Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions CIC, a health and social care organisation in Thurrock, with a workforce exceeding 200, all his Directors identify as disabled people and choose how to invest their profits back into the community of Thurrock and an annual revenue of £6 million. A key figure in Thurrock’s social enterprise scene, Neil co-founded the Social Club for social entrepreneurs and helped establish the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in Thurrock, where he continues to mentor.
He also chairs the Governors for Thurrock Adult Community College and The Local Economic Development & Skills partnership Board. Neil is also involved a in local arts and community initiatives such as Start Thurrock is a 'Creative People and Places' programme funded by Arts Council England and Riverside Community Big Local in Grays, and previously served on the Thurrock Business Board.
Fellow Board members:
| MP for Thurrock | |
| Cllr John Kent | Leader & Grays Thurrock Ward Councillor |
| Cllr Lee Watson |
Cabinet Member for Good Growth |
| Cllr Tony Fish |
Grays Riverside Ward Councillor |
| Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook | Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships & Grays Riverside Ward Councillor |
| Jayne Sheehan | South Principal of South Essex College |
| Abdul Bashir |
Director of Desi Indian Dining |
| Cebrail Kolbukn | Manager of Izgara Meze Restaurant |
| Wendy Townsend | Representative of Seabrooke Rise Community Association & Riverside Community Big Local |
| Antony Atkin |
Thurrock District Commander Chief Inspector, Essex Police |
| Mark Tebbs | CEO of Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services |