A business-led initiative aimed at developing Cardiff city centre has selected an experienced new management team to ensure that the city gets the maximum benefit from the project.
Cardiff Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed Adrian Field, Carolyn Brownell and Emily Cotterill to lead, promote and run the initiative.
The team will be led by Executive Director Adrian Field, an award-winning practitioner who has built a reputation as an influential and respected BID leader, thanks in part to the eight years he spent running the Worcester BID. During his time in Worcester, Adrian oversaw two successful ballots, delivered key projects and undertook regional and national roles for place management organisations.
Speaking about his appointment, Adrian said: “My first priority for the Cardiff BID Team is that we should hit the ground running and ensure that people are engaged from the start. There is a lot that can be achieved in Cardiff but it is vital we work closely with the local businesses, Cardiff Council and South Wales Police because it is only by working together that we will be able to make this BID a success.
“Having worked on other BIDs in the past, I know the importance of communication and recognising trends. I am looking forward to getting to the heart of the city and understanding more about how we can invest to make sure that it continues to thrive.”
Carolyn Brownell has been appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager for the BID. A Cardiff University graduate, Carolyn’s Great Grandfather is a former Cardiff Mayor and her Grandfather was awarded an MBE for services to the city. Carolyn has a proven track record of working with BIDs, having previously managed the Chippenham BID from development to implementation. Carolyn was responsible for ensuring the successful running of the five year, £1.5m project to enhance the economic, cultural and physical vitality of the area.
Carolyn said: “Having worked on BID projects for the past seven years I have seen for myself the positive and profound impact that they can have on an area. Cardiff is a city close to my heart so I jumped at the opportunity to return and am passionate about implementing changes that will help the city reach its full potential.”
Project Coordinator Emily Cotterill is also a Cardiff graduate and she joins the Cardiff team from the Winchester BID where her work was so successful that she was recognised as a High Street Hero, winning the ‘Great British High Street Awards Under 25’ category in testament to her role as the driving force behind Winchester Fashion Week.
Emily said: “Starting on a new BID from the very beginning is an exciting prospect and I am looking forward to being part of a team that I hope will make a big impact on Cardiff. BIDs have a proven track record of success and I’m keen to show the people of Cardiff what a difference we can make in five years.”
Simon Phillips, manager of Marks & Spencer’s city centre store, and the BID chair, said: “To have a team of this calibre running our BID shows that Cardiff is serious about this project. Adrian, Carolyn and Emily are all extremely experienced and talented individuals and I have no doubt that as a team they will help Cardiff city centre thrive.”
A BID is a business led initiative, supported by Government legislation, which enables businesses to join together to design and implement a programme of projects that they believe will directly benefit their area and reduce individual costs.
Cardiff Business Improvement District (BID) will be investing £7.5m into the city over the next five years in a series of new developments which will help in the transformation of the city. The BID involves over 700 businesses and organisations.
As well as buy-in from local businesses, the BID will be supported by other central organisations in Cardiff including Cardiff Council and South Wales Police.