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info@towncentrebid.co.uk 
Bournemouth Town Centre BID has appointed two new directors to its Board at the Annual General Meeting, which reported on a busy year.
Chartered Surveyor Darren Frias-Robles, Managing Director at Whitefox Chartered Surveyor, was appointed to The Bournemouth Town Centre BID Board to represent the office sector.
While Cllr. Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, will now represent the local authority on the Board, in place of Chris Shephard who stood down after four years due to a change in role at the Council.
The Bournemouth Town Centre BID Board now has 14 board directors representing the range of business interests in the town centre, including the office sector, night-time economy, food and drink, retail and education. The Board meets regularly to oversee and steer Bournemouth Town Centre BID projects, working on behalf of all businesses in the area.
Darren Frias-Robles, who grew up in Bournemouth and located his business on Richmond Hill, said:
“The town centre is a great place to do business. There is a lot on offer for everyone who lives and works here.
“I believe that my passion to see Bournemouth succeed, coupled with knowledge and experience in property and investment, will support the Directors of the board to achieve their vision and objectives in the months and years to come.”
Cllr Rich Herrett, BCP cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said:
“As Portfolio holder for this area and a former operator of a Town Centre business I have significant experience, as well as the political link to the local authority. I’m passionate about High streets, their evolving nature and their ability to be at the heart of their wider communities.”
The pair were elected to their new positions at Bournemouth Town Centre BID Annual General Meeting last week (Wednesday, March 5th), where updates were given across the wide range of work undertaken by the BID.
Activities in the previous financial year have included partnership work with the local authority and police, including the development and launch of a Business Crime Reduction Partnership, overseeing the Bournemouth Town Rangers, providing resources, training and networking opportunities for local businesses, conducting visitor and business surveys, initiatives such as Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card, and funding and supporting events such as the Bournemouth Writing Festival.
Bournemouth Town Centre BID also provides graffiti removal services and rapid response cleanup teams, supplementing the council’s street cleaning operations. The BID has also taken on the provision and upkeep of hanging baskets, pedestals and planters, along with the annual Christmas lights in the town Centre, following the withdrawal of funding by BCP Council.
Chair of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Martin Davies said:
“The BID is blessed with fantastic staff and a strong, focussed Board. Over the course of the previous year, we have seen a high standard of service across a broad range of work.
“Five years ago this month was the first Covid lockdown. Bournemouth has come a long way in that time, with the green shoots of the past few years now turning into plants as we see a flurry of new businesses opening and units under offer. I am looking forward to seeing Bournemouth town centre go even further in the years to come.”
Last week’s AGM also saw Ian Jones, Head of External Engagement at Bournemouth University, re-appointed to the Board for another term, and Mike Hiscox, Director of Ahavatec, who stood down following a temporary appointment in-year, voted onto the board for a full term.
Town Centre BID Board members serve for three years before standing down to allow new members the chance to put themselves forward. All directors who stand down are allowed to put themselves forward for re-election.