The boss of the Port of Tilbury Perry Glading is stepping down from his position at the helm of the port, after eighteen years in the job.

The Chief Operating Officer announced he will be leaving his role in March next year after nearly two decades at the port’s helm.

Council leaders praised his role in a surge of employment at the port and bringing in ‘significant’ growth fund grants, in his role as the Chair of Thurrock Business Board.

Key achievements included overseeing a £1 billion capital investment programme which will double trade at the port, and will triple direct employment to 9,000.

Mr Glading also supported local unemployed people back into work as well as making sure over half of the port’s management team had worked their way up from the ‘shop floor.’

Council Leader Rob Gledhill said: “Whilst I’m extremely pleased Perry is moving on to his next adventure, I’m very sad to see a friend of Thurrock leave.

“He is the Chair of the Thurrock Business Board, giving our business community a legitimate voice locally, regionally and nationally.

“Thurrock and I will miss his calm, measured and down to earth approach. He is the definition of a friend to Thurrock and we are sad to see him move on.

"That said, we also wish him the best of luck for his future endeavours and look forward to continuing the good partnership between our organisations.”

Mr Glading said: “I have been very fortunate to have worked with those within Thurrock in a period of significant growth, who have collectively sought to create real opportunity for this borough, both in the private and public sector.”

“It is very encouraging that the youngsters today in Thurrock have more chance in achieving their aspirations than 20 years ago.

"I am pleased to of played a part in that with many others by ensuring businesses engage in that objective.”

“I look forward after I have left the Port to continuing to support in some way those businesses and communities in Thurrock.”

Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports said: “As a group, we are delighted that Thurrock have recognised Perry’s contribution and commitment to the area and have joined us in wishing Perry well for the future.

"We will continue to foster and develop our partnership with Thurrock at all levels within the group, as we implement our significant growth plans for the Port and its surroundings.”