BID Leicester is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board, bringing a wealth of experience from across Leicester’s hospitality, higher education, tourism, culture and economic development sectors.
The BID Board is made up of representatives from businesses and organisations across Leicester city centre, helping to guide the work of BID Leicester and ensure its projects and priorities continue to support a thriving city centre.
Joining the Board are Mark Hills, General Manager of The Gresham; Sarah Vallance, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix; and Peter Chandler, Director of Tourism, Culture and Economy at Leicester City Council.
Sarah Vallance – Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix
Sarah is Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix, Leicester’s independent cinema, art centre and creative hub in the Cultural Quarter.
Phoenix plays an important role in Leicester’s cultural landscape, bringing together independent cinema, art, digital creativity and events in the heart of the city. Sarah brings extensive experience from the arts and cultural sector to the Board, alongside valuable insight into Leicester’s growing creative community and vibrant nighttime economy
Peter Chandler – Director of Tourism, Culture and Economy, Leicester City Council
Peter is Director of Tourism, Culture and Economy at Leicester City Council and has worked in and alongside Leicester’s cultural and creative sector for more than 30 years.
His experience spans economic regeneration, arts and cultural development, creative industries and business support. Peter also played a key role in developing Leicester’s creative workspace offer, including LCB Depot, Makers Yard and Phoenix Square Workspace.
His extensive knowledge of Leicester’s economy, cultural sector and visitor offer will bring another valuable perspective to the BID Board.
Mark Hills – General Manager, The Gresham
Mark is General Manager of The Gresham Aparthotel, one of Leicester city centre’s leading hospitality businesses, based in the landmark former Fenwick building on Market Street.
Alongside his role at The Gresham, Mark is Chair of the Leicester Hotel Forum and is a strong advocate for Leicester’s visitor economy and the importance of collaboration between city centre businesses and organisations. His experience brings an important hospitality and tourism perspective to the BID Board.
BID Leicester Director Simon Jenner said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Mark, Sarah and Peter to the BID Board. Between them, they bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge of Leicester and its city centre, across hospitality, higher education, tourism, culture and economic development.
“Having a Board that represents a broad range of sectors and organisations is really important to the BID, and we’re looking forward to working with all three as we continue to deliver projects that support our businesses and strengthen Leicester city centre.”
Mark, Sarah and Peter join the existing BID Leicester Board, whose members represent a wide range of businesses and organisations from across the city centre.