Brian Duffus
Activity Coordinator & Connector
I have been part of the Connecting Croydon Team from almost the beginning and I am responsible for arranging the activities that take place at our networking events to help bring people together.
I am also the CEO of Duffus Community Foundation which is a family run and founded charity that supports Children & Young People across Croydon, Sutton, Merton and Bromley, to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
My background is in youth engagement and youth justice and I have over 30 years experience of working with Children & Young People through various sectors.
I am very much, people & community first driven.
Trustee
I have over 20 years experience in the publishing industry working on a wide range of consumer and contract brands, from newspapers and women’s lifestyle magazines to supermarkets and dog groomers.
I have the skills to promote any brand including designing logos, print material, WordPress websites, graphics for socials etc. I enjoy working as part of a collaborative team in a busy, creative environment and am passionate about design.
I have strong typographic skills, am very organised and have a high attention to detail. I am also a Volunteer Committee Member of Connecting Croydon, supporting local charities & businesses through local networking events.
Jo Whittaker
Project Manager
Hi, I’m Jo, part of the team behind Connecting Croydon, where I help drive growth, collaboration, and community impact across our borough. Whether I’m shaping our three‑year strategy, coordinating with host venues, or making sure our grassroots charity partners get the visibility they deserve, I’m at my best when I’m bringing people together. Clear communication, practical delivery, and a genuine love of people sit at the heart of everything I do. There really isn’t anything better than walking into a room full of strangers and walking out having made some genuine connections.
My career sits in the background powering all of that—15+ years of project and programme delivery across PwC, global BPOs, and Financial Services. I’ve also co‑founded a jewellery brand, run the business operations of a primary school, and managed a rental property portfolio. It’s a mix that’s made me practical, unflappable, and very used to getting things done without the drama.
As a person, I’m funny, kind, and direct—the sort of combination that keeps things moving while keeping people comfortable. I like clarity, I like teamwork, and I love making things better than I found them.
Rajan Amin
Host Engagement & Connector
My journey started with Allied Dunbar in 1991, then as an Independent Financial Adviser, before building and running a Coversure Franchise for over two decades. Those years taught me that lasting success is built on trust, relationships, and community.
Now, as Engagement Director at PK Insurance Brokers, my focus is simple:
- Build a growth mindset within our team
- Strengthen and deepen partnerships with clients and partners
- Nurture new business connections and raise PK’s local profile
Based in Croydon, PK has been serving clients for 50 years, and I am proud to help drive its next chapter of growth by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
As Co-Founder of Connecting Croydon, I am passionate about supporting local good causes and building stronger ties between business and community.
Outside work, I find balance through yoga, golf, walking, and charity projects, all ways to recharge, reflect, and stay connected.
I believe the most valuable thing you can build in business is trust, and am always open to connecting with people who share that mindset.
So let’s connect — to collaborate, learn, and grow together.
Thanks for taking the time to read this 🙏🏽
Rajan
E: rajan@pkpartnership.co.uk
M: 07973 727 893
Ash Kamat
Web Designer
I make digital things that are visually polished and crafted, based on data and insights, that sell!
I’m a hands-on designer and developer who’s been building digital experiences for 15+ years.
I started out just wanting to make beautiful websites, videos, and 3D motion graphics; I still like being close to the work: designing, prototyping, and hand-coding (with Claude.ai and Cursor, ofcourse).
Over time, I’ve learned that the best work doesn’t start in Figma or code; it starts with asking the right questions, shaping the brief, and understanding what actually needs to be solved.
I’ve worked across cosmetics, health, print, events, and childcare, both in-house and in agencies, which means I’m comfortable adapting to different teams, pressures, and ways of working.
I enjoy most is bringing ideas to life through a mix of design, motion, and interaction; whether that’s a interactive website, video, or UI animations, I’m especially interested in how visuals and movement can tell a story and create something people genuinely connect with.
I’m also quite socially minded. I see too many charities and early-stage startups get overcharged or underserved when it comes to digital, so I try to support where I can, either by working with them directly or through free advice.
Trustee
I am an entrepreneurial marketing professional, with over 20 years’ experience, both in-house and agency.
Having worked in established businesses across the financial services, education, and motor industries and new start-ups, including two of my own, I know what it takes to run a business.
My passion is to help you as a business owner reach your goals, by thinking strategically and acting creatively. That’s why I have launched Black Grape Marketing, a creative design agency who will deliver results for your business through strategic communications, branding & design, websites & SEO, digital & social media marketing, content marketing, events and PR.
Susanette Mansour
Operating Partner
Susanette is a transformation consultant, qualified accountant and leadership coach. She is driven by purpose – supporting people and communities to flourish, by bringing clarity to complexity and turning intent into measurable results. She enjoys swimming, mountain challenges and tennis, reflecting her energy, resilience and people-centred approach.
Susanette co founded Connecting Croydon with Rajan. She champions local enterprise and creates spaces where relationships turn into action – believing thriving places are built when leaders connect beyond silos and lead with both heart and commercial mindset.
Tanya Sinclair
Registration Coordinator
My name is Tanya T Sinclair, and I am a dedicated administrative professional with a background in business management, currently working as a Teaching Assistant. I am passionate about supporting people, creating organised systems, and helping others thrive in structured and supportive environments.
I bring strong attention to detail, patience, and a calm, approachable nature to every role I take on. My experience as a Teaching Assistant has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, support diverse needs, and contribute positively to learning environments.
Alongside my professional work, I am also an entrepreneur and the founder of TNK Catering, where I express my love for authentic Caribbean cuisine. Cooking is something I learned from my family, and it continues to be a meaningful way for me to connect with others and share culture through food.
I am driven by growth, resilience, and a desire to build a stable and successful future. Whether I am supporting students, serving my community, or developing my own business ventures, I remain committed to making a positive impact in everything I do.