HullBID has announced the appointment of three new Directors who recently took up their posts with the organisation’s Board.

Steve Allbones, Julie Buffey and Claire Suggitt have worked in the Hull area for a number of years and are well known in the local business community. But they operate in different sectors and will represent a wide cross-section of interests.

Jim Harris, Manager of St Stephen’s Shopping Centre and Chairman of the HullBID Board, welcomed the new arrivals.
He said: “All three have been enthusiastic supporters of HullBID and its events and they can now do that within the framework of the Board.

“They bring experience, ability and contacts in different areas but what particularly impresses me is the energy and commitment which they have already demonstrated.”

Julie, who owns the Roisin Dubh shop in Hepworths Arcade and also established Trinity Open Market, coincidentally won the City Ambassador Award at the recent HullBID Awards for her work to revitalise the Old Town.

She said: “It’s lovely to be asked to be involved and I am proud to represent independent businesses. I have worked closely with HullBID since I opened my shop and the work BID does really supports businesses in the city centre.”

Claire is from a different branch of the city centre retail community having recently taken over as Centre Manager at Princes Quay Shopping Centre, where she joined the team more than two years ago.

She said: “Princes Quay is in a pivotal position in the city centre and HullBID has given me fantastic support. I am working to get more recognition for Princes Quay and to build partnerships with the key players in the city to increase footfall and help the businesses in my centre.”

Steve was a HullBID Director until he left the city and his job at KC in 2012 to take up media industry roles in Lincolnshire. Now back at KC, he has returned to the Board.

He said: “On returning to Hull I’ve found a lot more optimism and cohesion. As a business we are trying to be part of local life. Employing local people and supporting a thriving city are really important to us.”

The Board comprises representatives of public and private sector organisations within the Hull BID area. It holds bi-monthly meetings to discuss the activities, management and progress of Hull BID. The Directors are unpaid.

Picture details: Picture shows new HullBID Board members (from left) Julie Buffey, Steve Allbones and Claire Suggitt.