The head of the borough’s new business champion has expressed his delight at joining “Team Croydon”.
Tony Kildare said he was “joining the party” as he bids to drive forward plans to make Croydon the economic superpower of south London.
The man who heads up the newly formed Economic Development Company, which replaced Croydon’s four previous business quangos, said he was impressed with what he had seen in his first six weeks as chief executive.
He said: “My first impression is there is lots to do, but there is great enthusiasm, will and agreement from all the partners in Croydon.
“It is less to do with my vision and more to do with a collected Croydon vision.”
Mr Kildare has a glittering CV in the business world.
The 48-year-old, a Scot born in Brighton, was head of industry and skills for the economic development agency Scottish Enterprise.
He then oversaw a £1.5bn regeneration programme that led to the building of what is now Robin Hood airport near Doncaster when he was chief executive of Renaissance South Yorkshire.
In 2005, he joined up with Sir George Cox on a UK-wide government review which addressed how businesses can meet the challenges of an increasingly globally competitive business environment.
Looking ahead, Mr Kildare said Croydon had the “building blocks” to escape the recession and thrive.
He said he was able to approach the borough, and the problems that have beset its regeneration for several decades, with fresh eyes and was excited about the different projects.
When asked about whether crime in the borough was putting off companies coming to Croydon, he dismissed the claim.
He said: “It is about the perception of crime.
“We need to get a positive message and for people to understand the crime rate has fallen.”
While the EDC is about making Croydon appealing to people both in and beyond the borough, Mr Kildare stressed their role was equally important to the backbone of Croydon – small businesses.
He added: “I am absolutely passionate about small businesses. They are the life-blood of the UK.
“It is important to remember the majority of employment comes from small businesses not large corporations.
“The big plans are as relevant to them as top big multinationals.”
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