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The Core Team

The Core Team have the following main work areas:

  • Programme/budget management 
  • Project delivery 
  • Funding and investment 
  • Promotion and marketing
  • Masterplanning 
  • Transport planning 
  • Servicing the Partnership and Company Boards
  • Partnering 
  • Quality control and innovation and sustainability

Judith Armitt – Managing Director

Judith Armitt brings to her new role extensive experience of managing major regeneration programmes. As Chief Executive of Thames Gateway, she was responsible for Europe’s most ambitious regeneration project, securing wide-ranging support from local and regional stakeholders.

Prior to joining the Thames Gateway she was Chief Executive of Medway Council for nine years. Having established the unitary authority from scratch, she went on to obtain Thames Gateway priority area status for Medway and secured more government funding for the area than any other part of the Gateway.

Before joining Medway Council in 1997 Judith was Borough Treasurer then Director of Finance at Lewisham Council. Judith joined Lewisham Council after 10 years at Greater London Council.

Email Judith Armitt or telephone 01233 330 812.

Jane Ripley – Office Manager

Jane began her career with Norwich Union in Norwich for eight years, followed by two years with the Midland Bank in Kings Lynn.  Since moving to Kent in 1988 Jane has worked for a number of major private sector companies including working for the Project and Estates Manager with Eurotunnel Developments. 

Jane’s key role is to co-ordinate the work of the Core Team and provide high-level executive and administrative support to ensure the team operates effectively.

Email Jane Ripley or telephone 01233 330812.

Andy Phillips – Head of Transport

Andrew’s role is to co-ordinate the delivery of a sustainable transport strategy to support the Ashford Masterplan for growth. He is working closely with local authorities to implement and promote use of new Park and Ride, public transport, walking and cycling schemes.

Andrew has over 30 years experience in planning transportation projects and strategies in local government at Lewisham, Maidstone, and nearly 20 years with Canterbury City Council. Andy moved to work in his home town of Ashford over three years ago.

Email Andrew Phillips or telephone 01233 330823.

Linda Doran – Head of Economic Development

Linda joined Ashford’s Future in February 2006 as Economic Projects Manager.  After a period of time in the private sector she began her career in Economic Development and then moved into consultancy work for the public sector.

Linda is very experienced in partnership working, not only in the cross cultural environment of the regions of Europe but at a national and regional level in the UK.  She gained her first experience of Local Authority employment with Dover District Council before joining the team at Ashford. 

Email Linda Doran or telephone 01233 330824.

Laurienne Tibbles – Sustainable Development Manager

Laurienne joined Ashford's Future as Sustainable Development Manager in July 2007. Her role is to champion sustainable solutions for Ashford's growth. Laurienne has previously worked for the Core Team and partners, managing projects promoting wildlife awareness among local businesses.

Laurienne originally trained in Biological Sciences and has a solid understanding of the importance and varied functions our environment performs, as well as the pressures it currently faces.

Email Laurienne Tibbles or telephone 01233 330815.

Stuart Nicholls – Programme Manager

Stuart joined Ashford's Future in November 2006. He worked previously in the NHS for 12 years on project and programme management covering clinical and service improvements, corporate governance and risk management in various NHS organisations.

Prior to joining Stuart had worked on the programme management for the merger of Kent, Surrey and Sussex Ambulance Services and the establishment of South East Coast NHS Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Email Stuart Nicholls or telephone 01233 330825.

Tim Gainford – Telecommunications Project  Manager

Tim has recently joined Ashford’s Future as Telecommunications Project Manager, and is responsible for developing and implementing the Broadband Strategy, which will see Ashford benefit from a world class ICT infrastructure.

Tim has worked on network deployments for all the UK mobile operators, and has led leading edge projects for Orange and One2One (now T-Mobile). His experience in telecommunications, business growth and management, and development will stand him in good stead in his new role.

Email Tim Gainford or telephone 01233 330821.