Voting members
Chair: Heath Samples LLB (Hons)
Heath began his career in the Royal Air Force as an Air and Space Operations Specialist, completing tours in Europe and the Falkland Islands, before undertaking an LLB (Hons) degree in Law and Economics. He went on to serve in the Territorial Army (The Green Howards) where he attended Sandhurst and was selected for Officer Training.
With more than three decades of leadership experience across the games, retail, media, and technology sectors, Heath has held senior executive roles driving the development of online, mobile, Web2 and Web3 platforms, Artificial Intelligence applications, and blockchain-enabled products. He has led commercial, legal, compliance and development teams throughout his career.
Alongside his business career, he serves as a Trustee at Saint Catherine’s Hospice.
Beyond his professional and charitable commitments, Heath is a qualified Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster Ocean, a Private Pilot License holder, Royal Yachting Association Examiner and a BSAC Scuba Diving Instructor. He is also a Guinness World Record holder. These wide-ranging experiences reflect his passion for leadership, innovation, service, and adventure.”
Deputy Chair: Richard Boyes
Scarborough Business Partnership.
Alison Hume MP
Alison is the MP for the Scarborough and Whitby constituency.
Richard Flinton
Chief Executive, North Yorkshire Council.
Richard has worked for North Yorkshire Council for over 30 years and over 10 years as Chief Executive. Richard was born in North Yorkshire and attended school and college in Scarborough.
Clare Harrigan
Head of Development and Regeneration, Beyond Housing.
Clare externally represents Beyond Housing on the Scarborough Town Board and on a partnership group focused on North Yorkshire Council.
Matthew Butterworth
Head of Academic Studies, CU Scarborough.
Caroline Routh
Chief Executive, Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Caroline Routh is the Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive of Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, responsible for the successful day-to-day running of this iconic producing theatre. She has a clear understanding of the role that theatre and culture (in its widest sense) can play in the regeneration of towns and cities and also has considerable experience of working in depth with different stakeholders to bring about change.
Councillor Mark Crane
North Yorkshire Council.
Mark worked for customs for 38 years, now retired. He was Leader of Selby District Council for 20 years and has been a councillor for 25 years. Married with two grown up children, Mark enjoys long walks and playing golf.
Councillor Liz Colling
North Yorkshire Council.
Councillor Liz Colling representing Falsgrave and Stepney division in Scarborough on North Yorkshire Council.
Chair of the Area Committee of councillors for Scarborough and Whitby constituency.
Councillor Norman Murphy
Scarborough Town Council.
Norman has lived and worked in Scarborough his entire life. He became a councillor for Scarborough Borough Council in 1999 and represented the Northstead ward for 20 years. In recognition of his two decades of service in local politics, he was awarded the title of Alderman of the Borough of Scarborough, an honour he wears with pride. Norman obtained his degree in politics and history from the University of Hull and later earned an MA in politics and international relations. Since graduating, he has gone on to complete a PhD in politics. He has a deep and abiding interest in history and heritage, along with a detailed knowledge and understanding of all things Scarborough.
Rachel Drew
Arcade.
Arcade is a charitable community producing company focused on access, young people and families and artist development. Arcade emphasises that everyone is creative and believe culture belongs to everyone. They are proud to be part of Arts Council England's National Portfolio.
Rachel grew up in Bridlington and is passionate about providing opportunities for local people to be creative, boost their skills and participate in culture alongside their communities.
As an experienced arts leader and creative producer, Rachel has run large scale festivals, events and projects, as well as having raised over £2 million pounds towards local projects over the course of her career.
Sam Allum
North Yorkshire Sport.
Sam's work focuses on encouraging more people to engage in outdoor activities and finding ways to turn this into a life-long hobby. Additionally, Sam sits on the board to represent the broader sport and active well-being sector.
Adrian Perry
Scarborough and District Civic Society.
President of Scarborough Civic Society. The group follows the following guidelines: we will strive not to leave Scarborough with a diminished heritage but greater and better than when we received it.
Superintendent Rachel Wood
North Yorkshire Police.
Area commander for Scarborough and Ryedale.
Superintendent Rachel Wood is the Senior Operational Commander for the coastal district which includes Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and the Ryedale area. Currently, Rachel has 28 years service within North Yorkshire Police, the vast majority of which has been in operational roles at various ranks within the Scarborough area. The main responsibilities include leading, managing and co-ordinating the allocation of appropriate resources within a significant area command/area of responsibility, in line with force/organisational priorities in order to meet demand and maximise the efficient use of resources.
Simon Bull
Scarborough Business Ambassadors.
Simon is Chair of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors as well as owner of a Scarborough firm. The Ambassadors are a group of volunteer business leaders who’s aim it is to bring the skills of that community to help benefit the town and surrounding area. Their main event each year is Scarborough Science and Engineering Week, which showcases STEM industries to school aged children over three days in October at Scarborough Spa.
Mel Bonney
Coast and Vale Community Action.
Mark Williamson
English Heritage.
Kimmie Avison
Gallows Close.
Kimmie is best known for turning Gallows Close Centre (GCC) into a thriving, well used and well-established community hub based in Barrowcliff. On a personal level Kimmie's passion to support others shines through her work, leading her amazing team of resident volunteers and working with local organisations to help enhance the quality of life in an area of high deprivation. Kimmie joined Gallows Close Centre with very little experience 10 years ago and became the Chief Executive Officer in 2023. Living in Barrowcliff most of her life, she has an understanding of what the needs are in the community.
The centre is a safe space, providing support and wellbeing activities for all ages. Throughout COVID, Kimmie and her team stepped in to support many low-income families, vulnerable people and children, totalling over 3,500 people.
Martin Barkley
NHS Trust.
Martin retired in 2021 after a 49-year career in management in the NHS including being Chief Executive of five different trusts. Having been retired for a couple of years he applied to be Chair of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and was appointed to that position from November 2023. He has lived in North Yorkshire since 2009.
Karen Porter
Coast Tuition.
Karen is a Project Lead at Coast Tuition and Coast Tuition Community, bringing extensive community development experience through strategic roles across healthcare, education, and community sectors including York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Age UK Scarborough. With a deep expertise in SEND, disability support and employment inclusion, she demonstrates how targeted community support services can drive regeneration and transform lives across Scarborough.
Advisory members
- Helen Jackson, Head of Regeneration North and East
- Sarah Barrowby, Contract and Relationships Officer, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
- Nic Harne, Corporate Director Community Development, North Yorkshire Council
- Kerry Levitt, Principal Regeneration Delivery Office, North Yorkshire Council
Secretary: Laurie Wilsher, North Yorkshire Council
If you would like to contact the board, please email enquiries to regeneration.north-east@northyorks.gov.uk.