Neil Hardy – Photography by Kyle
A new chairperson has been chosen for Chester’s business improvement district (BID).
Neil Hardy was appointed to the role following on from Katrina Kerr, who is stepping down ahead of local elections in May where she will be standing as a candidate.
Marketer Neil brings a wealth of knowledge in the commercial tourism, retail and leisure sector – having worked as head of e-commerce for the likes of Hays Travel, Co-Op Travel and Icelolly, as well as marketing and digital director for Shearings Holidays.
Originally from the Midlands, Neil has been in the city since 1990 with his wife and two children who attended school in Chester.
He’s a keen runner, and is often seen exercising on the city walls in the early morning, before taking on his day job as a marketing specialist for The Mid-counties Co-operative.
Neil joined the board of Chester BID in 2022 to support its marketing and events strategy.
He said: “I fell in love with Chester as soon as I visited all those years ago, its history and buildings are just breathtaking.
“But having lived and worked here for the best part of my life, and becoming an adopted Cestrian, I know it is so much more than that.
“I’m honoured to be taking on the role and looking forward to working with Carl, the BID team and board to support our BID members who are crucial to the city’s future success.
“Chester is in a positive place with a host of opportunities for investment and development making it an exciting time for the city – bring it on!”
Outgoing chair Katrina Kerr said: “I’m very proud of what’s been achieved over the last three years and I’m leaving the BID in a strong place as it looks towards term three here in Chester.”
The business improvement district is a business-led, business-funded body created to improve its defined commercial area. Chester BID is funded solely by the businesses within the city.
There are over 460 businesses within the Chester BID area – with a rateable value of more than £18,000.
Each of these contribute a levy equal to 1% of their business rates every year to fund a wide range of improvements identified by the businesses themselves.
It is expected that around £2.5m of private sector funds will be generated over the five-year BID term and this money will be reinvested back into the city centre.
