New appointments for Stockport BID company

Stockport town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID) company, Totally Stockport, has started 2024 with the confirmation of new appointments, and a new office.

As Totally Stockport matures into its second term, its board have opted to bring in more experience and uplift previous members of the team to reflect the passion and mission of the organisation, which has also taken up a new home at the recently completed Merseyway Innovation Centre.

In a newly created role of CEO, Mark Ross has been appointed to head up the team. Mark’s previous roles include CEO at both Swindon and Mansfield BIDs and he also worked as lead for the ATCM’s National BID Programme; with his broad experience in holding senior appointments within both Private and Public and Public sectors this ideally places him to manage and develop relationships with key partners and major stakeholders.

The new team’s strategic focus will be to deliver the best outcome for the BID levy paying businesses; managing and developing relationships with key partners and major stakeholders; overseeing delivery of town centre-based events and projects; and working with businesses to identify opportunities for town centre-based businesses of all sizes to reach their potential.

After seven years at the helm as BID manager at Totally Stockport, Paul Taylor stood down towards the end of last year. Paul is replaced by new BID Manager Shaun Freeman-Jones who, in his previous position as the BID’s Engagement Manager, has a well-established rapport with many of the town’s newest and vibrant independent retailers as well as being responsible for introducing new, footfall-driving events and other successful initiatives. Shaun has experience working within the regeneration sector including market transformations, place curation and an overall passion for placemaking.

Lisa Noel will continue to provide essential support in her role as Office Manager and remains an integral part of the new team. Lisa’s years of experience are invaluable to the organisation where she will be developing projects alongside both Mark and Shaun.

Following Stockport BID’s AGM, Charlie Wood, Partner in Employment Law at SAS Daniels; Claire Stott, Marketing Director; and Paul Kelsall, Architect and Director at Kelsall Architects were voted on to the Board of Directors, each bringing with them expertise within their professional fields.

Commenting on his new position, Mark Ross is looking forward to playing a major role in the new team: 

“With the huge investment and regeneration projects underway, this is an exciting time for Stockport, and an exciting time for Totally Stockport BID.

“Part of our promise to our town centre BID levy payers is to drive positivity by being the catalyst to encourage new and returning visitors, drive additional footfall, create a more inviting and engaging town centre and be a promotional force for our town centre.

“We want to support existing businesses to thrive; we want to draw in new businesses attracted by all the positive changes taking place and that recognise the increasing opportunities for all town centre-based businesses to succeed.

“And, importantly, we want to maintain our close links with our partners and consultants so that we can continue to work in collaboration to ensure Stockport town centre delivers on its promise to be the destination of choice across our region.”

Shaun, who has been instrumental in bringing events and initiatives such as Krazy Races, Art Battle, and street art to Stockport, is excited to take on more responsibilities as he moves to his new role:

“It’s no secret that the role of the High Street in a town centre has, and continues, to change. For the past three years, I have enjoyed liaising with the local businesses, working with them to understand their wants, their needs, and their frustrations so we can provide the support they need to thrive.

“As BID Manager I am looking forward to working with Mark, Lisa and the board to provide greater input and influence our future programme of activities and projects. As a proud Stopfordian I am incredibly proud to be playing a greater role in shaping the future of our fantastic town.”

Chair of Totally Stockport’s board Rhys Owen is equally enthusiastic for the future and the new set-up:

“I’m delighted to be welcoming our new starters, Mark, Charlie, Claire and Paul to the Totally Stockport team. Between them they have incredible knowledge and experience that I’m sure will ensure the success of the current and future work of the BID.

“I’d like to also welcome Shaun to the team and congratulate him on his promotion to BID Manager, the result of the positive influence and work that he has delivered in his previous consultative role.

“I would also like to thank our previous chairman Mike Lamont for his commitment to the BID over many years and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

“By working with our partners at Stockport Council, at Merseyway and with our external consultants, we are ensuring that our work supports our town centre businesses; that we maximise on Stockport’s £1bn ongoing plan of investment and regeneration that brings opportunity for us all and oversees the biggest transformation of Stockport.

“Finally, Totally Stockport’s move to the new Merseyway Innovation Centre is the perfect way to start a new year and a new chapter in what has already been a very successful seven years for Stockport’s BID. I wish every member of the team a successful 2024.”

Pictured L-R standing: Charlie Wood, Paul Kelsall, Shaun Freeman-Jones; sitting: Lisa Noel, Rhys Owen, Claire Stott and Mark Ross.