Recruitment for New BID Manager

The Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District is looking for a new boss.

BID Manager Steve Hughes, who led the BID to a successful ballot renewal and a new five year term earlier this month, is leaving to become Chief Executive of another BID, the Plymouth City Centre Company.

Steve, who joined the Bournemouth Town Centre BID in January 2016, said: “In many ways I’m very sorry to be leaving. Bournemouth is an amazing town with so much going on and so much potential.

“I certainly wasn’t looking to leave but my home is in Cornwall so when the opportunity came up to do a similar job much closer to home, I couldn’t turn it down.

“The BID team and Board have been exceptional people to work with and I will miss them and many of the business people I have met over the last 15months.”

In the recent ballot, the result was overwhelmingly in favour of the BID continuing for another five years with 78% of those businesses that voted backing the move.

The vote followed extensive consultation with the business community and the development of a five year business plan designed to improve the look and feel of the town centre, to attract more shoppers and visitors and to create one, strong business voice.

For the first time the office sector will be included in the BID from July 1, increasing the number of businesses represented from 550 to 700.

Steve, who will be leaving towards the end of July, added: “We have a clear mandate to push ahead with the business plan so we are now working really hard to get a number of projects in place.”

Projects include a new monthly Sunday street fair and market in the Lansdowne, extra cleaning and environmental services, a marketing campaign for the Triangle and the town’s Christmas offer.

BID Chairman, Martin Davies, said:”Steve will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the Town Centre BID. His enthusiasm, cheerful nature, expertise and tireless efforts were all key factors in securing the renewal of the Town Centre BID and made him a respected and valued colleague. On a personal note Steve has been a massive help to me over the last few months following my appointment as Chair. We all wish Steve the very best for the future and appreciate all he has done during his time in Bournemouth “

Recruitment for  a new BID Manager will commence shortly.