FOLLOWING an extensive open recruitment process at the end of 2019, a Falmouth man has joined the eight-strong board of the town's harbour commissioners.

John Elliott, who has lived in the town for more than 20 years, brings over 30 years’ experience working in a variety of fields from water utilities, energy, media, telecoms and most recently financial services, where he was chief operating officer.

As well as Elliott’s new appointment, Dr Neil Andrew has also been appointed as the chair of the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners’ consultative committee.

Dr Andrew, a native of Falmouth, has held senior appointments in the Ministry of Defence culminating in spearheading business transformation of the research and development labs prior to privatisation and subsequent stock market flotation. A life-long sailor himself, since retiring in 2009 he has played a lead role in organising major sailing events and is a frequent harbour leisure user.

Carrie Gilmore, chairman of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: “Both John and Neil bring a wealth of knowledge in various sectors and we look forward to them adding value and complementing the breadth of skills of the existing board members."

Duties as a Falmouth Harbour Commissioner board member includes providing strategic long-term direction and attending sub-committee and monthly board meetings.

As a trust port, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners reinvests surpluses back into the business and plays an important role in planning for the strategic long-term viability and future prosperity of the Port.

The consultative committee plays an integral part in the oversight of the day-to-day running of the business, and terms served are up to two years.