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Dec 2020

Last Updated: 09/12/2020

Business

Harrogate BID manager to stand down

by Tamsin O'Brien

| 10 Dec, 2020

Simon Kent's decision to stand down as Interim Manager comes as the Harrogate BID will form a new board later today. It's been a turbulent year for the BID with public resignations in April and coping with the impact of covid 19.

Simon Kent, who had been acting as interim manager since April, is to step down when a new manager is found.

Mr Kent, former director of the Harrogate Convention Centre, has brought some stability to the Harrogate BID during a difficult year.

In April the BID's chairman and three directors resigned saying there was too much council influence and secrecy on the board.

The Council Leader, Richard Cooper then resigned his position on the board in June. No reason was given for his departure. He was replaced by Trevor Watson, HBC’s director of economy and culture.

Much of this year has been taken up with helping town centre businesses, particularly retail, survive the pandemic.

Sara Ferguson the acting chair of the BID paid tribute to Mr Kent. She said:

“We have been extremely lucky to have had Simon Kent as our Interim BID Manager. He has been a tower of strength, and from day one got on with the job in hand. I’m delighted to say he’s agreed to stay with us until his successor has been found.”

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The meeting this afternoon will introduce 5 new board members and elect a chair and deputy chair. Ms Ferguson who took over as acting chair in April said:

“My reason for standing in the first place was because I’m passionate about Harrogate. And being the owner of two town centre businesses I have a vested interest in the ongoing success of Harrogate.

“I’ll admit the last 12 months has certainly had its ups and downs. However, we have weathered these storms and I’m very pleased and proud of what we achieved this year. Words have become actions and we are delivering the aims of our businesses plan.

“Our sights are now fixed on the coming 12, 24 and 36 months. Our job has only just begun, and we still have a lot more to do".

The new BID board consists of:

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals

Bokmun Chan, Studley Hotel & Orchid Restaurant

Sara Ferguson, Sasso & Caffe Marconi

Martin Gerrard, Barclays Bank

Nick Hubbert, Hoopers

Jim Mossman, Cold Bath Brewing Co

Dan Siddle, Crown Hotel

Andrea Thornborrow, Primark

Richard Wheeldon, Berwins

Lesley Wild, Bettys

Karl Battersby, North Yorkshire Country Council

Trevor Watson, Harrogate Borough Council

PC Alex Sellars, North Yorkshire Police

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