New Chair appointed for Locate in Kent

By Stephen Emerson

3 May 2023

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David Brooks Wilson

David Brooks Wilson has been appointed as the new Chair of Locate in Kent.

Locate in Kent is the official inward investment agency for Kent and Medway. It provides free, confidential support to employers setting up, expanding or relocating to the region and is the first point of call for any international enterprise coming to the UK.

David will serve a three-year term and replaces Susie Warren-Smith CBE in the role.

David Brooks Wilson said: “I’m pleased to have been appointed as the Chair for Locate in Kent and I look forward to working with the Board and partners to champion this wonderful county of ours. As a business location, Kent and Medway has so much to offer. We have world-class food producers, grower and farmers, a successful science-based research organisation, a thriving arts sector and a beautiful coastline. In addition, we have fast rail connections to both London and Europe.

"Along with the Board and staff we will continue to attract more investment and jobs to the county and support our growing talent pool and excellent. Universities. Kent has a great story to tell, and we want new businesses with the right vision, innovation and drive to join us."

David Brooks Wilson is the Chairman/CEO of Noble Wilson Limited, an international property consultancy and real estate advisory company.

He was the initial Chair and founder of the Kent Developers’ Group which supports LIK through the membership of the major developers in Kent. He resumed the role of Chair of Kent Developers’ Group in 2020 and continues in that role.

He has also held previous roles as Major Projects Advisor and Estates Director at Imperial College London, Managing Director of Eurotunnel Developments and Group Property Director of Eurotunnel, from inception until 2001.

He currently acts as a Consultant/Business Advisor to Arcadis UK Limited, Keltbray Limited, City & Provincial Properties Limited and Squire & Partners. He is a co-opted member of the City of London Corporation and sits on the Property Investment Board and Capital Buildings Board. He is also Chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors National Awards.

Locate in Kent has helped over 12,500 businesses to grow or expand in the county since 1997 and created or retained over 80,000 jobs.

Andrew Griggs, Deputy Chair of Locate in Kent said: “David is an experienced business owner who knows what it takes to grow a successful business in Kent. He is perfectly placed to support Locate in Kent’s ambitions. I am delighted that he has been appointed to become Chair and I look forward to working with him and the Board as we continue our mission to attract more business investment and jobs to the region."

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.