How to join the board of Harrogate BID and help shape town centre's future

Harrogate town centre business owners and managers are being given an opportunity to help promote and shape its future.
Harrogate BID Board election - The current acting chair, Sara Ferguson, has announced her intention to stand again to "finish the job" which she took on after the resignation of four members, including the then chair, in April of this year.Harrogate BID Board election - The current acting chair, Sara Ferguson, has announced her intention to stand again to "finish the job" which she took on after the resignation of four members, including the then chair, in April of this year.
Harrogate BID Board election - The current acting chair, Sara Ferguson, has announced her intention to stand again to "finish the job" which she took on after the resignation of four members, including the then chair, in April of this year.

This month will see Harrogate Business Investment District (BID), set up two years ago to bring improvements to the town centre with levy money raised from local businesses, launch the start of its annual board elections, where BID members can put themselves forward to become a director.

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The currrent acting chair, Sara Ferguson, has already announced her intention to stand again to "finish the job" which she took on after the resignation of four members, including the then chair, in April of this year.

The organisation’s constitution allows for a total of 15 directors, but if there are more names than vacancies, then a ballot will be held.

Successful candidates will have to dedicate at least two hours each week to BID activities, as well as attending at least one board meeting a month.

Harrogate BID acting Chair Sara Ferguson said: “I’m incredibly passionate about Harrogate town centre, and last year, I put my name forward to join the BID board.

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"I stood for election because I wanted to be a loud voice for the town’s independent businesses.

“I will be standing again as there is still plenty to do. The job is not finished yet.

"The last ten months have not been without their challenges, However, in that time, we have achieved a number of objectives with plenty more in the pipeline.

“The qualities we are looking for in a board member include having the time to devote to the BID activities, totally committed to the aims of the BID, willing to make bold decisions and, above all, wanting to see Harrogate town centre thrive.”

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Before the resignation of four members, the 2020 Harrogate BID board consisted of:

Three National Retailers: Andrea Thornborrow, Primark; Mark Robson, Marks and Spencer; and Martin Gerrard, Barclays Bank.

Three Independent Retailers (all resigned in April): Rob Spencer, Town House Design; Robert Kennedy, G23; and Robert Ogden, Ogden of Harrogate.

Two Office and Commercial: Chris Bentley, Hornbeam Park (resigned in April) and Richard Wheeldon, Berwins Solicitors.

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Two Food and Drink: Mark Young, The Ivy and Sarah Ferguson, Sasso.

One Accommodation: Sandra Doherty, Alexa House.

Three Public Sector representatives: David Bowe, North Yorkshire County Council; Councillor Richard Cooper, Harrogate Borough Council; and Sgt Alex Sellars, North Yorkshire Police.

There was one vacancy for a voluntary contributor.

Only members of the Harrogate BID Company are eligible to become a director, and a membership application, together with the rules, can be downloaded from Harrogate BID’s website.

They need to be completed before noon on Thursday, October 15, 2020.

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Further information about Harrogate BID’s election process is available on its website, http://harrogatebid.co.uk/

Timetable for Harrogate BID Board Elections October-December 2020

October 15 NOON Completed application forms to be received by Harrogate BID Ltd

October 19 Harrogate BID Board to approve application Forms

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October 22 Letter and Candidate forms emailed to members of Harrogate BID Ltd

November 12 NOON Closing date for receipt of completed Candidate forms

November 16 Review Candidate forms, check Membership

November 19 Candidate List and Information, including a ballot paper, if necessary, emailed to Harrogate BID members.

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December 3 NOON Completed ballot papers to be received by Harrogate BID Ltd. Ballot closed.

December 4 Ballots counted & successful applicants informed

December 10 Harrogate BID AGM via Zoom

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