New CEO Joins StartUp Croydon

StartUp Croydon announce the appointment of Saffron Saunders as CEO

StartUp Croydon is delighted to announce the appointment of Saffron Saunders as CEO.  Saffron has been at the centre of the Croydon business community for many years with both Croydon Chamber of Commerce and Sussex Innovation and is no stranger to the world of aspiring entrepreneurs and incubating businesses.  She joins the Charity as it looks to develop the range of support services offered to Croydon residents, particularly those who are unemployed and looking for advice as they start on their journey.

Saffron joins the charity on 1^st February.

The appointment follows on from John Barrett’s decision to step down and enjoy retirement after 13 years’ service, most recently as Operations Director and Company Secretary.  John has been responsible for StartUp Croydon’s continuing success over the years and he played an integral part in the successful move from Acorn House to Weatherill House, the new home of the Charity.  John developed and has delivered the New Business Training programme designed to ensure those with a small business enterprise, or who are looking to start working for themselves have the best support and chance to survive.  He has had a significant impact on the lives of many residents who have turned to StartUp Croydon for such advice as they start on that journey.  As this stage of John’s own journey draws to a close, we offer him and his wife Carol our best wishes for the future.  Covid-19 restrictions mean that we are unable to mark John’s departure in a manner that would be appropriate after such distinguished service.  We hope that as soon as the restrictions allow, we will be able to thank him more publicly for the contribution that he has made to the Charity and the Borough.

About StartUp Croydon

StartUp Croydon the accredited Enterprise Centre for Croydon, established since 1983. Having enabled more than 8,000 businesses to take their first steps into the world of enterprise, our services, facilities and community support have led to the endorsement of our skills in the form of two NEN National Awards: Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year 2016, and Enterprise Engagement Organisation of the Year 2017.

We are a charity who have a unique business model that puts Start-ups, SMEs and the Croydon Community at the forefront of our endeavours.

Over thirty years of successfully supporting entrepreneurs puts us in the perfect position to help you turn a great idea into a viable and fully functioning business.

We are proud to announce that in 2020, despite the challenges of Covid19, we have won our 4th National Enterprise Network Award as Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year (in the under £750k turnover category)