Since last November Harrogate BID has doubled its team from three to six, the largest ever for the five-year-old not-for-profit.
Since late 2023, the Business Improvement District’s (BID) team has doubled from an original three people to six now employed by the not-for-profit organisation.
As the BID moves further into its second term in the town, Chief Executive Matthew Chapman and the Board of Directors saw it fit that the team continues to grow to help the group to benefit its levy-paying Members and allow them to see a positive return on investment.
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Sara Ferguson, the current Harrogate BID Chair, said: “I’ve been involved with the BID in Harrogate for a number of years now – and it’s been great to see how the organisation has continued to improve our town centre for everyone.
“The team has continued to develop over the years, bringing in new skills and knowledge to benefit the BID and the town as a whole.
“It’s a pleasure to work alongside the now six-strong team, who are all passionate about continuing to ensure Harrogate remains a key destination for visitors and a fantastic place to work and live.”
Matthew Chapman, who has worked at Harrogate BID for almost four years, saw his role change over the last year from BID Manager to Chief Executive. Matthew has years of experience working in the BID world, helping him to set the direction for the organisation to ensure the team deliver the set objectives and overall Business Plan.
Bethany Allen’s role at the BID also changed. Now, as Operations and Projects Executive after more than three years at the BID, Bethany leads on the events and campaigns the group consistently delivers across the year – helping to drive footfall and spend into the town centre and its business community.
Ed Horner, a former York Press journalist, joined the BID team in the new PR & Communications role in November 2023.
Ed has developed the organisation’s form of communications, consistently spreading the word on the organisation’s beneficial work through the means of press releases and various social media platforms across different channels, as well as supporting with research, award schemes, grant applications and other campaigns.
In April this year, Kiam Taylor joined the team in the new Town Centre Support Officer position, aiming to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Harrogate BID says Kiam has made a highly positive impact on the town centre and its business community, retrieving stolen goods worth hundreds of pounds, increased the number of business reporting crime and has worked in collaboration with partners to support projects.
Over the summer, Samuel Ashby and Darren Jevons joined the BID to double up the Street Ranger team, delivering hundreds of impactful jobs to further the organisation’s offer to its Members and the town as a whole.
So far, the BID says the new Street Rangers have offered a return on investment of almost £40,000 for BID members in Harrogate, carrying out a variety of planned and reactive tasks on a daily basis to help keep the town centre safe, clean and welcoming for all.
