Liverpool BID Company appoints new chair of Commercial District BID

Julie Johnson, business operations partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, has been appointed as chair of Liverpool BID Company’s Commercial District BID.

She steps up to the role after seven years on the Business Improvement District (BID) operating board, being deputy chair for the last year.

She also holds a position on the Liverpool BID Company executive board.

Outgoing chair Jim Gill steps down after five years in post, and the company said he leaves behind a safer, cleaner and more thriving Commercial District.

He was also instrumental in winning the 2016 ballot, securing the support of BID levy payers, and extending the Commercial District BID until 2021.

It comes as the BID publishes its annual report for the Commercial District BID, which highlights what the BID has done on behalf of its levy payers in the area over the past 12 months.

This includes tackling crime and grime, providing business support, and rolling out art and animation to boost footfall to the streets in and around Old Hall Street and Castle Street.

Setting out her goals for the future, Julie Johnson said: “We have seen some significant changes to our streets over the last seven years while I have been on the Commercial District BID Operating board and I hope our levy payers will join me in ensuring that we deliver the objectives set out for the remaining three years of the current BID term, until 2021.

“After delivering some significant public realm works over the last couple of years, we are introducing our own BID cleansing team working with Liverpool City Council to ensure that our streets are cleaner and greener than ever before and that the good work is built upon.

“Following the introduction of the two BID police officers who patrol the BID areas, we also have an aim to further reduce anti-social behaviour and security issues.

“This has now been extended into the evenings from Thursday to Saturday with the use of the radio link network and the BID evening ambassadors.

“We will continue to promote the district in partnership with other strategic partners in the Liverpool City Region to enhance the place-making of the Commercial District BID as a destination to live and work.

“We will also facilitate support for businesses within the district, with an emphasis on business growth and enhanced offering of employee wellbeing initiatives and training.”

She added: “I would like to thank Jim Gill for his support and guidance as chair of the Commercial District BID for the past five years.

“I look forward to my new role and hope to continue to develop the Commercial District BID together with our active board members and dedicated BID team, led by the chief executive Bill Addy.”

Mr Gill said: “The BID has a crucial role to play in managing change, harnessing the new vitality in the area to create an environment which is attractive to investors, developers, established commercial businesses and which encourages the creation and growth of new businesses.”

Bill Addy added: “This year marks a change in the leadership of the Commercial District BID operating board and I would like to echo our new chair Julie Johnson in her thanks to the outgoing chair Jim Gill for his work and support to both the board and to me during his tenure.”