Kirsten Henly has been appointed BID Manager of the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID) which became operational at the beginning of April 2014, with a £1.6 million budget to help boost trading for the 500 Shrewsbury town centre businesses it incorporates.
Kirsten led the development of the BID through her role as Business Development Manager at specialist BID agency, The Mosaic Partnership. She brings valuable BID experience from her position as Projects Co-ordinator for Colmore Business District in Birmingham where she managed initiatives for the commercial city centre BID. She has also held non-executive directorships of Birmingham Leadership Foundation and Groundwork West Midlands.
Kirsten gained her BA and MA qualifications at University of Sheffield and this September will graduate from Aston University with an Executive MBA. Complimenting her experience at board and operational levels is her approachable style and commitment to the role, which has been evident during the intensive development and consultation period leading to the successful BID ballot.
“Shrewsbury has a unique commercial and cultural offer and I am delighted to be leading this ambitious programme of activity which will see significant investment in the town on priorities identified by businesses,” Kirsten commented.
“The BID will deliver strategic, high impact marketing activity, improve way-finding and accessibility and provide support and direction for businesses. I am looking forward to working with Shrewsbury town centre’s diverse business community. The full involvement of all the businesses and close working with our partners will be essential to the BID’s success.”
The BID is governed by a Board of town centre businesses and stakeholders. Mike Matthews, owner of the Prince Rupert Hotel and chairman of the BID, said: “The BID has already received strong support from the business community and it’s great to have Kirsten driving it forward. She brings excellent experience and qualifications to the role. Our priority now is to promote Shrewsbury town centre as a unique and accessible place to work, visit and stay.”