Inward investment agency Locate in Kent has appointed Susie Warran-Smith as its new chair.

She will serve a three-year term and replaces the outgoing chair David Fitzsimmons who has held the post since 2015. He will continue to serve on the board.

The businesswoman, previously known as Sue Nelson, was the founder and sole owner of the multiple award-winning Breakthrough Funding in Ashford, which was sold to EY (Ernst & Young) in 2020.

Other accolades include being named Kent Businesswoman of the Year and the London and South East Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors.

She was awarded a CBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours list and is also the current chair of Produced in Kent and a member of the Kent and Medway Investment Advisory Board.

She was appointed to the Locate in Kent board, as a non-executive director, in April 2022.

Speaking on her appointment, she said: "As a business location, Kent and Medway has so much to offer. We have world class food producers, growers and farmers, a beautiful coastline, a thriving arts sector and successful science-based research organisations. On top of that we have fantastic 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.”

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

Gavin Cleary, its CEO, added: "I am delighted Susie has been appointed to become chair and I look forward to working with her and the board as we continue our mission to attract more

business investment and jobs to the region. I am so pleased that we have been able to attract a leader of Susie’s calibre.

“I would also like to express my deep and sincere thanks to David Fitzsimmons for the commitment and drive he has shown during his term as chairman. With his oversight, we have continued to deliver for the Kent business community and have solid priorities for the future."