East London Small Business Centre

About us

JOHN WHITER, Chairman

John has been our Chairman for the past four years and has been involved with East London Small Business Centre for over 11 years, acting as a trustee and giving invaluable financial guidance. As a trained Chartered Accountant and serving as a CFO of a FTSE 250 Company, he was inspired to join East London Small Business Centre’s board as he recognised the importance of economic growth in enabling urban regeneration and wanted to support and encourage business development in the East of London.

PAULINE BARNETT, Acting Chief Executive

Pauline, is responsible for all contract delivery, and tender applications which are used to raise funding into East London Small Business Centre. As the primary person for communicating with funders Pauline, sits on numerous steering groups. Pauline spent three years at the London College of Fashion and worked as fashion designer/pattern cutter for many years. For a few years Pauline freelanced as a business trainer for various organisations before joining East London Small Business Centre. Pauline’s passion for the centre and the work it does dominates her creative business talents. Pauline was honoured to receive the ‘Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion’ in recognition of her contribution to small businesses in and around east London.

JONATHAN GIRLING, Operations Director

Jonathan joined East London Small Business Centre in January 2005, having been on the Centre’s Board for 7 years. Prior to this he enjoyed a successful career at NatWest Bank, covering a broad range of responsibilities around the UK, achieving Senior Management status. During this time he became involved in the local business community. Responsible for the operational management of ELSBC ensuring all contracts and loan fund activity are delivered to requirements, Jonathan is also a non-executive director on two equity investments made via the Centre into local businesses. Additionally Jonathan has been elected last year to join the Community Development Finance Association board.

JANE COGLAN, Finance and HR Director

Jane is an AAT qualified and a Freeman of the City of London. Jane has been with East London Small Business Centre for 24 years, where she has made a valuable contribution to the development and growth of the organisation. Over the years, she has developed and progressed her career, first holding various administrative and managerial roles, then ultimately becoming the Director of Finance and Personnel. Jane has implemented and executed key financial and HR policies, while adapting to ELSBC’s rapid growth over the last decade.