9:52am Friday 3rd August 2007
By Gemma Wheatley
The new chief executive of Croydon Business is set to exploit the "hidden advantages" of the borough.
Brian Stapleton, the current director of partnerships, business and community at Croydon Council, has taken over the role left vacant by Angelina Purcell's departure.
As the person responsible for economic development and regeneration at Croydon Council, Mr Stapleton knows all about the highs and lows of business life in the borough.
He said: "We have a very successful commercial and retail centre in the borough and we need to build on that.
"But, at the same time, we have parts of the borough where running a business can be an uphill struggle.
"We have to keep focused on how we can help all parts of Croydon become successful by exploiting the many hidden advantages they have and making them all good places to start and run a business."
He added: "In the next 10 years there will be something like £5billion of investment in Croydon.
"Here is a fantastic opportunity to return Croydon to the centre of business life in London and the south east.
"I look forward to working with Croydon's businesses to ensure we make the most of the chance we have and to helping all our businesses, large and small, to benefit."
Mr Stapleton will now spend three days a week at Croydon Business to lend support to Croydon firms wishing to boost their business by selling overseas.
He said: "Everybody knows how much I love Croydon and Croydon businesses, and now I have the opportunity to convince everyone else.
"It is a very competitive world and we really need to boost the effort we put into promoting Croydon externally."
Ms Purcell retired from her role reluctantly in June after deciding she wanted to spend more time with her family.
For more information on Croydon Business, visit croydonbusiness.com or call 020 8686 2233.
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