Coast to Capital celebrates as Chair takes home regional award

Julie Kapsalis, Chair of the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership, Coast to Capital, has been named Businessperson of the Year at this year’s Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. 

Recognised for her outstanding contribution to the region, Julie was commended for her central role in unlocking investment in the region, making connections across skills and business and her support and mentorship to other business leaders. 

Upon collecting the award, Julie shared: “It is a huge privilege to accept this award, but I do so on behalf of the extraordinary team of people who I am privileged to work with in the region. This award is recognition of the power of partnership working across the public, private and third sectors. I am especially grateful to my fellow Board members and the team at Coast to Capital for their tireless efforts to realise our vision for sustainable economic growth. This award would not have been possible without their continued support.” 

Upon taking up the position of Chair in 2020, Julie set out her own personal vision to lead a LEP that makes bold decisions, aspires to be best in class, as well as securing a brilliant future for the region and our future generations. Through this period, Julie has led on work to increase diversity in business support and as a result the region has been cited as best practice by the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, led by NatWest and HM Treasury. 

In addition, Julie as Chair of Coast to Capital and Catalyst South – an alliance of six LEPs – has led an initiative that enables LEPs to use an innovate A.I. programme to help support female business leaders. The technology provides analysis on business sectors and companies by gender enabling LEPs to target work programmes and funding towards women in several ways, including by geography, age, and sector.  

Anthony Middleton, Acting Chief Executive at Coast to Capital, added: “Julie is one of the most entrepreneurial leaders that I have ever met and her commitment to partnership working knows no bounds. In her leadership of Coast to Capital she has inspired team members at all levels and this award is testament to her hard work and dedication. I am delighted that Julie has been recognised for all she does across our region.” 

For more information about the work Coast to Capital delivers across the region, please visit 

www.coast2capital.org.uk.