John Peel, one of the most respected business figures in Sussex, has been elected president of EEF South, the manufacturers' organisation for London and the South-East.

Mr Peel, who is business development director of Varian Medical Systems in Crawley, succeeds Malcolm Bruce, a director of Surreybased marine engineers Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine.

Mr Peel said: "Manufacturing, engineering and technology-based businesses have a vital role to play in the economies of London and the South-East.

"EEF South is an important organisation, not just for delivering services in areas such as legal and employment affairs, health and safety and business development but in helping to shape an environment that is conducive to manufacturing success.

"I am looking forward to playing my part in optimising the work of the association on behalf of member companies over the coming year."

Mr Peel sits on the board of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), where he is also a member of the major projects committee.

He is chairman of the new Central Sussex College, a member of the Court of Sussex University, a deputy president of the British Chamber of Commerce and a director of the West Sussex Economic Partnership. For 18 years, Mr Peel was managing director of Varian Medical Systems UK, which designs, manufactures, markets and sells cancer treatment equipment to 65 countries.

EEF South is the region's leading employers' organisation working on behalf of manufacturing, engineering and technology-based companies.

April 19, 2005