Coastal BID seeks new manager for 'next phase'

Lisa Collins says she has 'had three great years with the BID but now its time to move on to new opportunities and challenges'.

However, her resignation comes in a crucial year for the BID ahead of campaigning for a further five-year term.

Appointed BID manager in 2017, Lisa successfully campaigned to the business community to invest in more services and events to those provided by the local authority by paying an additional levy with the business rates. This was to raise £3 million over a five-year fixed period.

Then came the difficult task of convincing businesses, especially the smaller ones struggling in a challenging economic climate, that the investment was well spent and achieving its main aim of increasing footfall.

In her statement following a successful New Year for traders in Skegness, Lisa said: "Without the BID funding for the town there would be no UK advertising or marketing campaigns, no website and very few events.

“We are stronger working collaboratively to ensure everyone benefits.

“Other local businesses are not each other’s competitors but the other major UK seaside resorts are – all of whom have BIDs and who have strengthened their tourism offer,

“My advice is get involved and let’s work together to maintain our status as one of the best seaside towns in the UK, ”

In recent weeks the BID has seen another change at the top when its founding chairman Stuart Hardy handed over the role to local businessman and councillor Sid Dennis.

Mr Hardy, in his end of year statement, reflected on 2019 as a difficult year.

"Coming off the hot 2018 season, along with the political uncertainties of Brexit and with the pressure of Sterling diminishing in value for money overseas, we hoped that 2019 would be a very strong year for domestic tourism," he said.

"A strong six-week holiday helped make up for the poor Spring Bank Holiday, June and July, but this season was tough from a trading perspective. In talking to operators across the UK this seems to have been seen all over the country, which leads me to believe that this isn't a local issue, but it has been an uphill struggle this year for us and many people I've spoken to.

"Therefore, it is critically important that we ensure that we are promoting and attracting visitors through our activities in the BID. We must ensure that we are shouting about the area and making ourselves heard above our competitors. "

In his statement he also praised Lisa and the BID team 'for their hard work over the last 12 months'.

"They have all gone above and beyond what could be expected in trying to maximise the impact of the events and projects of Visit Lincs Coast.

"Without these efforts, we'd all be much worse off, particularly given the slashing of business support spending by all levels of government seen these past six years.

"I hope that the projects which will be initiated off the back of the future direction event will increase the value for money of the levies paid, and ensure that we are well-positioned to increase our share of the market moving forwards into 2020 and 2021."

In response to Lisa's resignation, Mr Dennis commented: "Lisa’s hard work and dedication is second to none and her work setting up the BID and taking over the last two years to bring it to where it is today - a BID built on sound foundations and ready to move to the next phase.

"The BID Board are now commencing the recruitment process and we are confident we will be able to attract the right calibre of person.

"We feel we have a strong business plan in place and have built up a reputation as a forward thinking a progressive Destination Bisiness improvement District.

"We, as a BID Board, employ a small and highly proficient delivery team and have made plans to ensure the transitions that are about to happen will be as smooth as possible. "

Lisa Collins said.."I’ve had three great years with the BID but now its time to move on to new opportunities and challenges.

"Along the way I’ve made some good friends and colleagues and met some lovely people who work tirelessly along the coast.

"Their support and in-put over the last three years has been extremely valued and appreciated.

"My team have been fantastic and I wish them and the board continued success."