Harrogate BID Expands To Continue Vital Work With Largest Team Since Forming In 2019
Over the past year, Harrogate BID has expanded to shape its largest team since forming back in 2019, bringing in new skills and knowledge to develop the organisation.
The Harrogate BID team (from left to right) – Ed Horner, Bethany Allen, Darren Jevons, Matthew Chapman, Samuel Ashby and Kiam Taylor.
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.
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 just short of 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.
Since taking on the role in Harrogate, Matthew has developed a passion for the ‘jewel in Yorkshire’s crown’ and he continues to work hard to ensure the BID offers a return on investment for its Members and consistently puts new plans in place to improve the town as a whole.
Bethany Allen’s role at the BID has also slightly adapted over the course of 2024. Now with the job role 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. Bethany also leads on important campaigns such as the Harrogate Gift Card to enhance the amount of spend locked into the economy.
Ed Horner, a former journalist, joined the BID team in the new PR & Communications role in November 2023. Since joining the BID, 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. The role was introduced in Harrogate to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Since coming into the job, Kiam has made a highly positive impact on the town centre and its business community. He has helped to retrieve stolen goods worth hundreds of pounds, increased the number of business reporting crime and 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 – and they have already delivered hundreds of impactful jobs to further the organisation’s offer to its Members and the town as a whole. So far, 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.
If you have any questions or feedback for the Harrogate BID team, you can email them on info@harrogatebid.co.uk
