MEET Mark Mullen, the new Operations Manager of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) whose role it is to support businesses and promote town centre development and growth.
Mark, who worked at Sainsbury’s for 24 years before joining the team, will work alongside BID Executive Director Rob Purdie, BID Project Support Executive Kimberley Herbert and newly recruited BID Host Bailey Earl
Mark said: “I remember how important the town centre was to me when I was growing up. I was born and bred in Desborough and used to come into Northampton town centre every Saturday with friends and family – popping into Woolworths, HMV and many more stores. The town centre has changed, of course, but I am still passionate about it.
“To take on this new role is incredible – I will be promoting the benefits of the BID to all town businesses – from retailers to professional services and evening economy and emphasising that by working together we will be able to move Northampton forward.”
Mark already has BID experience, having previously served as a voluntary board director for Melton Mowbray BID.
“This is such a diverse role and I am looking forward to working collectively with the businesses and partners to deliver the BID objectives,” added Mark. “I was ready for a career change and look forward to making a real difference.”
Mark has been appointed by Partnerships for Better Business Ltd (pfbb UK), the BID Management consultants for Northampton.
He has taken over the reins from former BID Manager Chris Barker, who worked with the BID for around four years. Mark’s role will be heading up the operations of the BID.
There are 18 months left of the current five-year term of Northampton town centre’s status as a BID and the focus is now firmly on town centre development.
A Business Improvement District is an area in which businesses have voted Yes to BID status, have created a business plan and pool an annual levy over a five-year period to fun events, projects and improvements.
Northampton BID was first formed in 2011 and businesses voted Yes for a further five years in 2016.
How town centre businesses can get involved:
* Sign up for the BID’s Mystery Shopping awards – open to all businesses, retailers as well as professional services. This awards scheme is designed to identify, enhance and recognise customer service excellence. A great promotional opportunity for a business.
* Get involved in a series of free business events – see these on the @NorthamptonBID Facebook page.
* If you want to meet the Hosts or new Operations Manager Mark, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Simply email
Find out more at www.northamptonbid.co.uk