Biographies for Standing BID Board Members 2017/18

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Biographies for standing BID Board Members 2017/18

Large Retailer Positions (2 positions available)
Mandy Hague – Dorothy Perkins
My name is Mandy Hague and I am the store manager at Dorothy Perkins on Westgate, Mansfield. I have worked in retail for 36 years and 32 of these in retail management. I have been the manager in the Westgate unit since 2000 when it was originally Etams, therefore I can totally understand and empathise with the situation that some retailers find themselves in during this difficult trading climate, along with the need to deal with change. I do communicate on a regular basis with other fashion retailers in the town and would be in a position to obtain their views on how they feel the town could be improved and moved forward to compete with other neighboring towns. I feel that security is of great importance to the town for the general public and businesses to ensure a safe and relaxed environment and the introduction of the BID ambassadors have been much appreciated by business owners/ managers like me.
I feel I could contribute by using the experience I have gained over the years within my role and would like to stand so that I could contribute and be involved in any future plans that may affect the towns businesses.
Sally Francis – Boots
I have worked in Boots Four Seasons Store for the past 18 months during which time I have led the Healthy High Street Campaign in the objectives of boosting footfall, reducing shop vacancies, returning pride and creating employment. I love this town and have passion and energy for making Mansfield a better place to work, shop and live in. I am driven to turn ideas into actions and by working collaboratively I know that anything is possible.
Elicia Parkin – Bon Marche
As the manager of Bon Marche I am very experienced in the retail industry. I would bring my management experience and enthusiastic nature to the table if I was elected as the large retailer board representative. I live in Mansfield, work in Mansfield and shop in Mansfield and feel very passionate about my town. I have been involved with the BID since I became manager at the West Gate branch and would like to continue to work alongside the BID on behalf of businesses in the town. I offer my help and support to all businesses.
Shopping Centre Management Positions (2 positions available)
Rebekah O’Neill – For Seasons Shopping Centre
I have been the Centre Manager of the Four Seasons Shopping Centre for over 10 years. As well as working in the town, I was born here, live here and have 2 children that go to school here. My own background is in marketing having started my career at the Chad, followed by a marketing and Duty Management role with Westfield Shopping Centres.
I have been involved in the BID since its early stages as I believe passionately that by working together we can pool our skills to strengthen the viability and vitality of our town, and in turn our own businesses.
The BID has made a great start on delivering its vision and I would very much like to contribute what I can to continue this work over the coming years. First and foremost I want my business to succeed and believe that a safer, cleaner and well marketed town is key our success.
Barry Hibbert – Rosemary Shopping Centre
I have lived in Mansfield for over 30 years and have managed the Rosemary Centre since 2000; I also manage the car park there and another car park on Belvedere Street.
I was the chairman of the environment & access group of the Town Centre Partnership and was very much involved in the steering group for the BID, prior to the initial vote.
I am a member of the finance sub group of the BID where we monitor the costs and the expenditure of the BID company, vetting all the proposals against the various budgets. I am also on the car parking sub group where we are looking at the options for improving the signage for car parks and what initiatives can be created to increase the footfall into the town for both retail and leisure users.
I want to see Mansfield move forward, but still recognize the heritage that we have in the town, and somehow integrate the heritage with the future, we should be making more of Mansfield as a tourism centre with all that we have on our doorstep.
Financial and Professional Service Provider Positions(2 positions available)
John Sankey MBE – Sankey Estate Agents
As a founding member of the Mansfield Business Improvement District, I believe passionately in the Project and would like you to re-elect me in order that, together with others we can complete the regeneration of our Town Centre.
I have contributed from the beginning of this vitally important process by taking a very active part in the many activities already begun and in place.
If re-elected I will be honoured to continue this most important task.
We will continue to make further strides towards making our Town Centre a better place to trade from.
I have attended all but a few of the meetings of the Management Board.
Nevil Croston – Bryan and Armstrong Solicitors
Along with all members of the BID board I am committed to improving the facilities and events available in Mansfield.
I have worked in the town since 1982 and I am a partner in a long established firm of solicitors providing advice and assistance to individuals and businesses in the area. As a levy payer we have a vested interest in the success of BID.
I have been involved with the BID for several years now and I have seen what the BID can do to assist businesses with services which are not available elsewhere.
I have delivered, via the BID, occasional free workshops on legal topics of interest to businesses in the town.
I am able to be a channel of communication between professional services businesses and the BID board on issues of concern.
I am also the current Chair of governors at Vision West Nottinghamshire College which has a good relationship with the BID and other organisations locally
.
Independent Retailer Positions (3 positions available)
Richard Wood – The Beauty Chain
I have recently purchased premises in Mansfield and successfully launched a high end beauty business at the old vanity box site. I have a wealth of experience running an international franchise business and have travelled the world learning how other countries operate and trade. I also have a wealth of knowledge regarding lead generation and webb marketing. My interest in the BID is to help increase footfall and make the town centre great again so all the business can flourish which would help all town centre business owners.
Leon Smith – Xibit Jewellery
I have worked in retail in Mansfield for 28 years, where I have seen many changes to the town, some good and some not so well. I have been a strong supporter of the Mansfield BID campaign from its start and feel that much activity has already been achieved to promote Mansfield as a good shopping environment.
Along with my business partner Beverly Draycott we have produced a shop, Xibit Jewellery, which we feel is different from other jeweler retailers, by blending traditional values and service with a modern outlook and appearance. It is with this alternative style of thinking and objectivity that I hope to be an asset to the BID board.
Mansfield is a traditional market town with many historical and architectural features which need to be built upon and promoted in a positive modern fashion to bring out the best in our town.
Karon Maxwell – F.A. Henshaw (House Furnishers) Ltd.
I am the third generation of a family run independent furniture business which has been based in Mansfield since1945. I have worked and lived in Mansfield most of my life, so I have very strong connections with the town and although I originally worked at Mansfield probation service, I have worked in retail since 2003, following in my father and grandfather's footsteps. I feel very passionate about Mansfield and I want to see Mansfield thrive and grow, attracting people in from all over the district. I want Mansfield to be represented in a postive light and will work hard to to try and attain this. I will be an active board member and I welcome the opportunity to represent the views of the independent retailer on the board.
Vijay Chadda – Collections
I have been trading in Mansfield Town Centre for over 20 years, starting in the market as a young man and now operating two stores in the town Centre. Therefore I believe I have a unique and varied viewpoint of the town Centre and can understand most people’s concerns. I attend all the meetings and regularly talk to other traders. I believe I was both vocal and effective during my last board membership role.
I believe in a vibrant and modern town Centre image with a successful market / shop relationship.
The town Centre must work for everyone’s in order to realise its full potential and we need the council to work closer with the bid to achieve this.
Craig Kerry – Mansfield Computer Store
Having left school at 16 I entered into, what was then called, a YTS scheme at British Coal on Lichfield Lane. After 18 months of working in various departments I was fortunate enough to be offered a post with the Marketing department at Coal Product Limited, a then subsidiary of British Coal.
The organisation at the time was going through many changes with a spate of redundancies occurring. This left some areas somewhat lacking and I was approached to join the I.T. team which I promptly accepted.
I worked my way up within the department to Network Administrator which saw me overlooking a 250 user LAN along with remote support for a further 5 sites.
Once again changes were made and redundancy loomed which saw me leaving the industry. After flirting with various opportunities and options I decided that I needed to set up on my own working freelance.
In January 2014 the chance arose to take over the old Mansfield Computers and Electronics site on Albert Street as a going concern. Sadly over time it had seen a slump and needed a kick start which I took on board.
After just over a year at that location it was obvious that times had changed and the business needed a fresh location. A few new places were considered with 13 Church Street eventually being deemed the best all round. I’ve lived locally all my life and in the town since 1993. I have an increased passion for the town since started working in it. This, along with my passion for my business, I feel could be a positive contribution to the future of the BID.
Having the opportunity to help improve the town would be an honour and privilege
Leisure Provider Positions(2 positions available)
Paul Anderton – And Why Not, Industria, Cheeky Monkey, The Late Lounge
I have been involved from the beginning of the BID being formed for Mansfield and strongly believe in what it is trying to achieve. I also chair the local pub watch group (MALV) and have been an owner / operator of licensed premises in Mansfield for over 25 years. I have attended 95% of board meetings and am also involved in the safe and secure BID group.
John Previll – Wetherspoons- Stag & Pheasant
I have been working in the pub industry for 20 years after attaining a BA Hons Degree In Design Marketing. Initially starting in hotels, I have managed various branded pubs for the last 14 years. In that time I have developed various connections in Mansfield whilst working with Yates, Chicago Rock and now the Stag & Pheasant Originally from the North East my relocation to Mansfield is now considered ‘home’, where I reside with my wife and 2 children. Putting Mansfield on the map is of great importance and growing the town across all business sectors is something I feel passionate about. The drive emanating from the BID is a real positive for Mansfield and being part of the BID team gives me the chance to share my ideas and help to drive Mansfield forward. The Mansfield economy is turning a corner and I strongly believe that seeking innovation without losing the focus of our heritage is the key to growing our town further. I feel my experience in the branded pub trade will help contribute to generating further business for the town as a whole.
Landlord/ Property Owner/ Manager Position( 2 positions available)
John Carter – Queen Elizabeth’s Trust
Born, educated, worked and raised a family in Mansfield.
The town and surrounding District have always been part of my personal history providing me with strong roots and community values. I want generations now and those to come to benefit from a strong local economy, and central to this is a thriving town centre. Hence my interest in the Mansfield Bid project
Over the years, I have developed a mixed property portfolio, including car parks, retail and land. This also includes a Grade 2-listed retail premises in the town, purchased in a derelict state.
From my own business experience, the past two years in particular have been extremely difficult for town centre retail and business. I have found it to be neither in the property owner or tenants interest not to be open and honest to resolve both partners’ interests at this time.
The current economic crisis has undoubtedly, affected inward investment, cash flow, footfall levels and unemployment.
It is with my personal history, strong sense of community, business background and as a levy payer; that I would like to continue to be involved as a member of the Bid Board.