The board of Chester BID has announced a restructure of the team that runs the Business Improvement District. Chester BID was first established in 2014 following a vote by businesses, and confirmed by a second vote in 2019. Recent activity by BID includes the mini murals on BT Cabinets, free parking initiatives at the racecourse and installing hundreds of summer flower planters.
The significant team restructure has been devised due to the rapidly changing face of the city centre– with the imminent launch of the £72m Northgate scheme, the alterations in the existing high street and the revised One City Plan creating a greater need to support the city businesses on a more strategic level.
Katrina Kerr, Chair, Chester BID said: ‘By promoting Carl to BID CEO and Luka to Business Engagement Manager, Chester BID is demonstrating a clear vision for how our city will move forward, taking its rightful place as one of England’s most liveable and desirable cites.’
‘Over the past 2 years Carl has been key to ensuring that the city’s stakeholders work together, instigating important collaborations. Now, as CEO, he will be better placed; to work on long term projects that will benefit those who run businesses in the city, collaborate with the Council and residents to ensure standards are high and be able to champion good creative ideas to receive the funding they deserve.’
Carl Critchlow commented: ‘I’m delighted to take on the role of CEO after leading the BID for over six years as BID Manager. BIDs across the country face a need to constantly evolve, alongside the city centres they support – and we need in this changing world, perpetuated by covid, to be one step ahead by future-proofing our city centres. We need to take considered steps to make sure we lobby on behalf of Chester, as it deserves – on a national level.
‘I’m also delighted to promote Luka Morrell to Business Engagement Manager. There is a need to engage on a day-to-day basis with our businesses and offer on-the-ground support. Luka is an excellent advocate and ambassador for our businesses. She understands the daily challenges businesses face and how to tackle them. She will be superb in this role.’
The Chester blog 