New Town Centre BID Manager

A new manager has been appointed to run the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District.

Steve Hughes brings a wide range of experience to the Town Centre BID gained mostly in the media and communications industry as a journalist, editor and managing director, but he is also passionate about business development and the potential of town and city centres to re-invent themselves as thriving commercial, shopping and leisure destinations.

Most recently, Steve was the project manager to develop a BID in York which was voted in by businesses last November with a 76 per cent majority.

Steve said: “I am delighted to come to Bournemouth at such an exciting time. Investors have clearly seen Bournemouth’s potential as can be seen from the recently opened Hilton Hotel and other developments now taking shape.

“We have a beautiful and vibrant town centre but we need to work even harder to stay ahead of the game and attract more investment, more customers and more visitors.

“The BID is committed to working with partner organisations to fully develop the town centre’s potential and improve its economic vitality for years to come.”

Before Steve led the York BID, he was editor and managing director of the city’s daily newspaper The Press, a division of the Newsquest media Group which also owns the Bournemouth Echo.

He was also a prominent member of the city’s business community, serving on various boards and steering groups.

Steve, who grew up in the West Country, said: “It was always my intention to move back to the south and I was impressed with Bournemouth’s potential for growth. I am looking forward to meeting business owners and managers and working with them to make Bournemouth Town Centre as good as it possibly can be.”

Lisa Tucker, Chair of the Town Centre BID, said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint someone with Steve’s experience. He is used to working with large and small businesses and is determined to help us realise our ambitions in making the town centre a great place to live, work, shop and enjoy leisure time.”

Steve is busy making himself known within the business community and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to get in touch. You can reach him on 01202 296343 or steve@towncentrebid.co.uk