Following an extensive recruitment process, Exeter BID has recruited Ann Hunter to the role of BID Manager. Ann is relocating to the area from London and brings with her nine years of experience working with BIDs in the capital.

Wayne Pearce, Chair of the Exeter BID Board of Directors said: “The position of Exeter BID Manager requires a particular skill set and we were looking for someone with extensive knowledge of the retail industry; the ability to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and build new business relationships. Ann has a wealth of relevant experience and expertise and her impressive CV includes her most recent position of Chief Executive of Make it Ealing and West Ealing Business Improvement District in London. We were very pleased to receive Ann’s acceptance of the role and look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

As well as senior management positions for Business Improvement Districts, Ann has experience in marketing and communications and the finance industry. 

Of the new role Ann said: “I’m delighted to be leading the Exeter BID team and relocating to Devon. Exeter is a fantastic city with a huge amount to offer businesses, employees, residents and visitors. The BID has already brought a number of important and impactful projects, events and initiatives to support business and encourage visitors to the city. I intend to build on this strong foundation to drive further benefits for our levy payers. Exeter is a thriving city and I look forward to helping the BID to champion it.”  

Ann will take up the role on 28 September. Ann’s appointment follows the resignation of Craig Bulley who led the BID through its first two years.

Exeter BID achievements to date

• www.inexeter.com – a new consumer-facing website giving visitors and residents a wealth of information about Exeter businesses.
• A Street Cleaning scheme creates a cleaner and more pleasant environment for local businesses, visitors and residents. The scheme benefits from close-cooperation with the Exeter BID Welcome Team, who flag any issues encountered during their rounds of the city.  
• The Exeter BID Joint Procurement scheme, in partnership with specialists Meercat Associates, looks to reduce costs and secure better deals for BID businesses, delivering savings and helping to offset levy payments.
• The Exeter BID city map, given free to visitors and representing all 640 levy payers.
• Increased Christmas lighting by installing 120 individual illuminated decorations in 14 areas of the BID. This lit streets that had not been illuminated in previous festive seasons.

BID Events

• The Weekend Starts Here – a weekend of family friendly entertainment, drawing visitors into the city.
• Style in Exeter – a series of exciting catwalk shows in Princesshay Square designed to showcase the rich and varied shopping experience that Exeter provides. With clothing from 30 of the city’s retailers, including High Street shops, department stores and independent boutiques.
• Christmas Lights switch on, hosted by Radio Exe favourites Ashley Jeary and Ben Clark and featuring live entertainment.
• Easter workshops – a series of free to attend workshops for children offering craft activities and encouraging families into the city centre over the Easter holidays
• Summer of Independents – a campaign and competition to champion Exeter’s independent businesses with a competition to engage visitors and residents to vote for their favourite Exeter Indie. To date, the competition has received nearly 1,000 entries.