Meet the Team
The East Sussex Growth Hub is run by a small but dedicated team with a big ambition: to help local businesses thrive. Together we’re proud to work with entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses across the county – offering honest advice, tailored support and connections to the best help available.
Fred Thomas
Fred helped launch the East Sussex Growth Hub in 2015 and brings a wealth of hands-on business experience to the team. Having run multiple successful e-commerce ventures from the late 1990s to 2014, he has a strong background in digital marketing, business strategy and managing the challenges that come with growth. He’s known for his practical, honest approach and ability to translate complex ideas into real-world support.
A passionate advocate for innovation, Fred leads on the Growth Hub’s digital development – including the rollout of new AI-powered tools to help businesses access support more easily. He’s particularly interested in how emerging technologies can improve productivity and open up new opportunities, and continues to explore ways they can be embedded into everyday operations.
Based in East Sussex for over 40 years, Fred combines deep local knowledge with a future-focused outlook. He continues to work closely with businesses across the county, helping them stay resilient, embrace change and build for long-term success.
Danielle Holter
Danni joined the East Sussex Growth Hub in October 2024, bringing over a decade of experience managing a high-performing sales team. With a strong background in working closely with local businesses, she is known for taking the time to truly understand each business’s needs, ambitions and challenges – delivering practical solutions that support long-term success.
A lifelong resident of East Sussex, Danni is deeply rooted in the local community and now raises her family here. Her local knowledge, paired with her dynamic, empathetic and problem-solving personality, makes her a passionate advocate for businesses across the county.
Since joining the team, Danni has successfully delivered the Newhaven Business Grants Programme and is now leading the second round of the Rural Business Grants Programme. She is committed to helping East Sussex businesses access the funding and resources they need to grow, thrive and make an impact.
