Businessman recognised with MBE

Ron Crank, who steps down from his role at Coast to Capital LEP at the end of the year, has been awarded an MBE for services to business and the community. 

He said: “I’m surprised but also very humbled to receive this award. To be given such an accolade as I retire after a long career in business, local government and the charity sector is unbelievable but I am very honoured.

“But this is as much about me as it is the teams of people I have had the privilege to work with, so part of this goes to them too.”

The partnership’s area includes Brighton & Hove, Croydon, Gatwick Diamond and Surrey, as well as West Sussex. 

Ron’s career has spanned over 40 years. He has worked for Mecca Leisure, Lancashire County Cricket Club, owned a hotel in the Lake District and then established his own company Signature Leisure.

After four years, a close family bereavement caused him to sell his share of the business and he became a director at Business Link London before joining West Sussex County Council in early 2005 to develop an economic strategy and new team.

His latest role is chief executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, which is focused on strengthening the economy, developing employment opportunities and supporting devolved government funding to achieve its objectives.

Ron, who lives in Hambledon, Hampshire, is vice chairman and governor of South Downs College and also a trustee of the national charity Nacro, an organisation that is committed to change lives, strengthen communities, enhance social inclusion, reduce crime and prevent offending behaviour.

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