Newbury BID CEO Melissa Hughes steps down at the end of the month

Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) has announced that CEO Melissa Hughes will be leaving at the end of this month, writes Max Carter Keall.

After two-and-a half-years at BID, joining just as the town centre reopened from lockdown, Mrs Hughes will go on to pursue her own business endeavours after leading the organisation through a tough period of uncertainty.

Her final day will be on Monday (October 31).

BID chairman Warwick Heskins said: “Melissa played a huge role in bringing the Newbury business community together during these unprecedented times, as she and the rest of the team kept us all updated on any government funding available and in the loop with the ever-changing business environment and lockdown rules.

“Notably, Melissa also led Newbury BID and the team through its most successful ballot to date, achieving 78 per cent in favour by number and 81 per cent in favour by rateable value, leaving Newbury with a strong business plan, which aims to take Newbury to the next level during the new five-year term.

“On behalf of the BID board and team, I would like to say a huge thank you to Melissa for all her hard work and wish her all the best for the future."

Operations manager Alison Drummond and marketing manager Kirsty Lemberger will remain in post at the BID.

Industry experts from British BIDs will support them as an interim solution for the next six months, while Mr Heskins said the Newbury BID board of directors will determine the best long-term structure for the BID team in the town.