The Ilkley BID board has welcomed the appointment of Sarah Brookfield-Almond as its new BID Manager. She takes over from Helen Rhodes, who is stepping down to focus on the business she runs with her husband.
Sarah brings a wealth of business and commercial expertise to the table after a career in retail, hospitality and professional services. Her experience of working for large blue-chip organisations, SMEs and running her own business also provides her with a balanced and informed perspective on the challenges that different sized businesses face.
She will be taking on the role on a full-time basis and will cover the work that was managed by part-time BID Manager, Helen, and Ilkley BID Project Coordinator, Lisa Drake.
Sarah is looking forward to the new challenge and says: “With the current economic climate, challenged local authority budgets and continued competition from online commerce, the continued work of Ilkley BID is vital to protect and promote the local economy.
“I am a very proud Ilkley resident and take a keen interest in the success of the town, its appeal as a visitor destination, and ensuring that it is presented to its best advantage for residents, businesses, and those visiting for work or leisure to enjoy.
“At the beginning of this second five-year term for Ilkley BID, I am looking forward to working with the BID team, the board of directors and all stakeholders to support local businesses and to ensure that Ilkley is the best place to live, work, visit and do business.”
Helen says: “I informed the board some months ago that I needed to focus more on my own business once the work involved in the renewal process was finalised. I will be completing a full handover to Sarah and then intend to stay around for a while as a voluntary advisor to help with ad-hoc queries as they crop up.”
Lisa has enjoyed her time working for the BID and adds: “It’s been great working with Helen and the team for the last couple of years and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know many of the Ilkley businesses. It’s been a really varied role and I’ve picked up lots of new skills and experience that will come in useful in the future.
Chair of Ilkley BID, Ian White, says: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the team. She has the business experience, creativity, personal skills and passion needed to continue the great work achieved so far during our first term. We look forward to working with her to deliver on the company’s aims for this second term as outlined in the new five-year Business Plan.
“On behalf of the board, we wish Helen and Lisa all the very best and thank them for their dedication, professionalism and commitment. We will miss them both but know that the businesses are in safe hands under Sarah’s leadership.”
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