The Judges

Best Newcomer Restaurant

Sponsored by: Chelmsford Borough Council

Cllr Neil Gulliver

Elected to Chelmsford Borough Council in 1999, Neil has been keen to promote all things local and in particular new business. His portfolio on the council includes Planning and Economic Development. He is keen to see tourisim grow locally and is committed to the role hospitality plays in economic growth.

In his business life Neil has a strong interest in environmental issues and how they impact upon tourisim. He is a director of Green Hotel Certification Ltd where he is working with major hotels throughout Europe on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. In particular Neil is keen to encourage the use of locally sourced produce, bringing improvements to both producer and consumer.

Chris Grace

Chris manages the Inward Investment, Economy and Growth Service at Chelmsford Borough Council. He is responsible for bringing jobs and investment into the Chelmsford area, working with partners to secure a strong local economy and the co-ordination of initiatives to secure sustainable growth of Chelmsford.

Since gaining a BA(Hons) in Politics and an MA in Town and Regional Planning, Chris has worked in a variety of roles in town planning, economic development and performance management in local government. He is passionate about economic development and support for business and entrepreneurship and, having worked in Chelmsford since 1995, is now a leading figure in this field of work in Essex.

Away from work Chris is a qualified football referee and officiates at matches across Essex, enjoys good healthy food, ski-ing, listening to music, watching football and pursuing knowledge about the European travel industry and destinations.