Neil Rutledge is Director of Amberside Advisors Ltd. 

Neil is also Deputy Chair of the Hertfordshire Futures Board; Chair of the Assessment Panel, responsible for reviewing bids for new projects; and Chair of the Herts IQ Partnership Board, which oversees the county's Enterprise Zone.

Dr John Howie is co-founder of Lintbells Ltd. Founded in 2006, Lintbells produces scientifically backed supplements to support chronic health conditions in dogs, cats and horses, including the UK’s number one joint mobility supplement, YuMOVE. The Lintbells business has been honoured to receive several Queen’s Awards and Kings Awards for Enterprise and supports pet charities and rescue centres at a local, national and international level.

John is a Deputy Lieutenant to the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and an Enterprise Fellow at The Kings Trust, supporting young people to start their own businesses. He is also a Development Council member at Wadham College, Oxford University, and supports the University’s Nature-based Solutions Initiative.

Richard Whitehead is Chief Executive, Buildings + Places Global Business Line, at AECOM, a multinational engineering firm that provides design, consulting, construction, and management services across 150 countries. Richard is also a Chair of Perfect Circle, a joint venture company formed by Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, which looks to make a significant and positive contribution towards shaping the built environment and to exert a positive influence on the issues affecting the public sector.

Richard joined the Board in March 2018 and is its diversity champion.

Stewart is a senior leader in retail operations with over 17 years of experience in multi-site, multi-channel management, strategic development, and innovation. As Managing Director at RVM Systems, he drives initiatives to enhance commercial performance, people development, and sustainability goals.

In addition to his operational leadership, Stewart has extensive experience managing financial operations and serving on strategic committees, where he has spearheaded cross-functional projects focused on growth and digital transformation, including the successful launch of AI-powered stores.

Currently pursuing an MBA with Warwick Business School, Stewart’s studies will deepen his expertise in strategy, innovation, and ESG. His career reflects a strong dedication to continuous improvement, people leadership, and meaningful community impact - qualities he looks forward to bringing to the board.

Ceri Humphrey is Finance Director at EDF Energy Customers, an energy supplier to 6 million business and residential customers in the UK.

Ceri is a Chartered Accountant who qualified with Ernst & Young. Prior to joining EDF she was Chief Financial Officer at SPIE UK, a technical services provider. Previous jobs have included Finance Director at engineering and construction firm VolkerFitzpatrick, based in Broxbourne, and finance roles at Willmott Dixon in Letchworth, and the Anglian Water Group in Huntingdon. She has a keen interest and involvement in strategic business change initiatives including acquisitions, business start ups and new business development, and major systems implementations.

Ceri joined the Board in June 2020.

Dr Stephen Ward joined the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult in 2013 and now holds the role of Chief Technology Officer. In this position, he focuses on the organisation's technology development strategy.

Prior to this, he held the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Manufacturing Officer, during which time he leads the organisation's strategic manufacturing, supply chain, skills, and industrial growth programmes. He brings to the organisation over two decades of specialised cell and gene therapy expertise from his career in biological medicine research, development, and manufacturing.

Vi Davda is Managing Director, Global Head of Bond Origination at ABN AMRO. Vi is a banking specialist with extensive experience in the ESG sector, an orientation that grew out of a career built around debt financing at major financial institutions, including Barclays and J.P. Morgan.

With almost 20 years’ experience in capital markets and investor relations, Vi works across the corporate and financial institution sectors. She serves as a member of ABN AMRO UK’s Sustainability Acceleration Circle and chairs the bank’s UK ESG Summits. Vi holds a BSc in economics from the London School of Economics.

Chris Hulatt is the co-founder of Octopus Group. Launched in 2000, the company’s fund-management division is a major investor in key sectors including renewable energy, venture capital and healthcare property, while its energy arm founded in 2015 is a leading challenger energy supplier.

Named EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year 2017, Chris is passionate about British entrepreneurialism and advocates to Government and business leaders for policy ideas to drive business growth. He is an advisor to The Entrepreneurs Network and a member of the Advisory Council of Regenerate - a think-tank that works to make it easier start, grow and lead purpose-driven businesses.

Chris is also Chairman of Online Giving, known as Enthuse – a digital fundraising solutions provider to the charities sector; and non-executive director of Clearly So, Europe’s leading impact focused investment bank specialising in fundraising for purposeful businesses and funds.

Chris joined the Board in December 2020.

Emma is a partner in VWV's Watford based corporate team and a key member of its Technology sector group. Emma specialises in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. Emma joined the Board in March 2023.

Celia Taylor is Head of Media Trust Films and an experienced television executive with a distinguished career spanning production, commissioning, and broadcasting. She has held senior roles at the BBC, Virgin Media, Sky, and Mentorn Media, leading award-winning content, launching new channels, and commissioning acclaimed documentaries. Celia also co-founded the independent television production company, Distant Voices, and brings extensive expertise in the creative industries, innovation, and business growth.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark has served as Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council since 2023, having first been elected to the Council in 2017. He brings extensive experience in local government, representing Cowley Hill Ward and helping to shape policy and investment across the borough.

Jeremy has a professional background in political communications, with expertise spanning housing, transport, and international affairs. He has previously led a national third-sector organisation and served as spokesperson to the former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks.

Peter Taylor is the Mayor of Watford and was elected to the role in May 2018. As Mayor, Peter has made improving the town’s transport infrastructure a big priority, having introduced a new Bike Hire Scheme and On Demand Bus Service.

Peter was raised in Sheffield and attended Notre Dame High School. He then attended the University of Edinburgh before moving to Watford to work as a teacher. He continued to work in the education sector as Assistant Director to the Catholic Education Service, representing over 2,000 Catholic schools in England and Wales.

Peter joined the Board in September 2019.

Cllr Richard Henry has served as Leader of Stevenage Borough Council since 2022 and is the portfolio holder for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Young People. He is a strong advocate for Stevenage's regeneration and cultural ambitions, playing a key role in delivering the town's £37.5 million Towns Fund programme and supporting major investment projects across the borough.

Richard is a member of Hertfordshire Growth Board and the Local Government Association's Culture and Tourism Board. He also serves as a trustee of the London Marathon Charitable Trust and brings extensive experience in local government, community development, culture, leisure, and public service leadership.

Cllr Steve Jarvis is Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Representing Royston West and Rural, he brings extensive experience in local government, public service, and partnership working across the county.

As Leader of the Council, Steve works with local authorities, businesses, and partner organisations to support sustainable growth, improve outcomes for residents, and deliver long-term opportunities for Hertfordshire. Through his leadership of the Hertfordshire Growth Board and role on the Hertfordshire Futures Board, he helps champion investment, collaboration, and economic development across the county.

Andrew Slade is the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Oaklands College, a leading further education institution with campuses in St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Borehamwood.

With a career spanning over 30 years in education, Andrew has held a range of senior leadership roles across the sector, focusing on raising aspirations, driving quality, and delivering impactful partnerships between education and industry.

Professor Anthony Woodman joined the University of Hertfordshire as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive in 2025. He provides strategic leadership for the University, overseeing its direction, performance, and engagement with partners across education, business, and the wider community.

A Professor of Translational Medicine, Anthony's research focuses on molecular oncology, particularly the use of biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools. His work has included collaborations with a number of international pharmaceutical companies to support research and innovation in healthcare.

Steve is Chief Executive of B3Living and previously worked at companies including Network Homes, Clarion, Red Kite and Housing Solutions. He is passionate about helping to provide more homes to those in the greatest need.

Steve joined the Board in March 2023.