Solihull BID begins fourth term with appointment of new Chairman and Vice Chair

Solihull BID has marked the start of its fourth term with the appointment of a new Chairman and Vice Chair.

Tony Elvin, General Manager of Touchwood, has stepped up from his role as Vice Chairman, replacing long serving Chair Kevin Johns of Prime Accountants. Mr Johns will remain on the voluntary Board of Directors, made up of leading figures from the town centre business community.

Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for Solihull town centre – began its fourth term on August 1^st after an overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote from companies last year to continue its activities until at least 2030.

The not-for-profit, business funded organisation, organises the wide range of events in the town centre that bring in thousands of extra visitors, including the upcoming Solihull Food Festival.

Town Centre Security Officers, Marketing and PR Assistance, Employee Privileges, Business Support, Networking and Place Shaping are also much appreciated BID projects.

Replacing Mr Elvin as Vice Chair is Collette Eccleston, Senior Insurance Consultant at Howden Solihull.

After stepping up to Chair, Tony Elvin said: “It is a great honour to take on the role of Chair at Solihull BID. I fully recognise the responsibility of representing the levy-paying businesses within the BID catchment area, and I am committed to serving them with dedication and integrity.

“Having served as Vice Chair for the past seven years under the exceptional leadership of Kevin Johns, I am determined to continue the great work he has done. I look forward to supporting our dynamic Chief Executive, Melanie Palmer, her dedicated team, our board members, and the many fantastic businesses that help make Solihull such a safe, vibrant and attractive place to work, shop, socialise and do business.

“As a local business manager and long-standing board member, I have seen first-hand how instrumental the BID has been in maintaining Solihull town centre as one of the most buoyant and successful in the country. As the exciting development of Mell Square begins to take shape in the months and years ahead, we will continue to prioritise engagement, safety, and collaborative working with tenants, business owners, stakeholders and visitors alike, ensuring we capitalise on this unique opportunity.”

Collette Eccleston added: “The BID does an incredible job of enhancing our town – from supporting local businesses to improving public spaces and creating a vibrant community. I’ve always admired the work they do, and I wanted to get more involved to help make a real difference in the place I live and work every day.

“Solihull is a fantastic place to be, and I’m excited to play a part in keeping it that way. I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued success of our area and working alongside so many passionate people who care deeply about our town.”

The BID was originally established in 2010 and, per BID legislation, has a ballot every five years to ensure the local business community wants it to continue.

The BID received 93% backing by total number of votes and 96% support by Rateable Value of all properties that voted in the most recent ballot in September of last year.

Outgoing Chairman Kevin Johns said: “It’s been an honour to be Chairman of Solihull BID for the last eight years which has seen town centres come under challenge like never before. But what makes it so special is the people, the BID team, the Board and the business community of Solihull.

“I pass over the reins to someone who is “Mr Solihull Town Centre” and look forward to continuing to support Tony and the whole team in the years ahead.”