Hull BID has announced the appointment of two new board members as part of a move to strengthen links with city centre businesses.

The new recruits are Cheryl Kitching, who is the store manager at Marks & Spencer in Hull, and Paul Gregory, owner of Leonardo’s Bistro Bar in Princes Dock Street, Hull.

“We are delighted to welcome Cheryl and Paul onto the Hull BID board,” said Kathryn Shillito, City Centre Manager.

“Marks and Spencer is a pillar of the retail community and Cheryl will draw on her vast experience whilst Paul has successfully operated businesses within the city centre for many years. 

“They are both committed to improving the city centre for local people and visitors and to raising the profile of Hull.”

Cheryl initially worked in the city centre store on a temporary, seasonal basis before joining the permanent staff more than 20 years ago.

She rose through the ranks and managed the Scunthorpe store before transferring to a regional role for M&S Money and then overseeing the move of the Beverley store to new premises. Cheryl took up her current role 18 months ago.

 “I am extremely passionate about Hull,” said Cheryl.

“I have lived here all my life.  After visiting many other city centres I appreciate that we have a very good shopping centre which compares favourably with cities of the same size.”

During the 1990s Paul operated La Perla on Newland Avenue, Hull, in addition to his two restaurants in Princes Quay. Now he is concentrating his efforts on Leonardo’s Bistro Bar, which opened in 2007.

Paul is a keen supporter of BID’s efforts to build the evening economy through such events as Half Past the Weekend and Festive Thursdays and through the launch of the dedicated website at www.eatdrinkenjoy.co.uk

 “I believe we have a real jewel here,” he said.

“We seem to be good at communicating that to the outside world but maybe we need to work on making local people more aware of what the city has to offer.”