New Portsmouth BID manager pledges ‘thriving, vibrant and welcoming’ city centre
Gilly Ainsley will take up the role next month for Portsmouth’s new Business Improvement District
Portsmouth’s newly appointed city centre Business Improvement District (BID) manager has pledged to create a “thriving, vibrant and welcoming” city centre.
Local resident Gilly Ainsley will take up the role on October 19, working with businesses, Portsmouth City Council and the police to develop the BID’s business plan.
A BID is a government-backed initiative that allows local businesses to “raise funds locally to be spent locally” to create safer, cleaner, more attractive and better promoted high streets.
Ms Ainsley has 15 years’ experience in marketing, project management, stakeholder engagement and communications.
She said she was “incredibly proud” to be taking on the role.
“Portsmouth city centre already has many fantastic strengths, from its independent businesses and national retailers to major investment and regeneration projects. The BID gives businesses a real opportunity to come together, shape priorities and deliver positive improvements that make a difference.
“My first priority will be listening to businesses, understanding their challenges and working with partners to create a city centre that is thriving, vibrant and welcoming for everyone.”
Her appointment follows a successful ballot in March, when 93 per cent of businesses who voted backed plans to establish a BID.
Projects planned for its first five years include security patrols, enhanced cleaning, year-round events, marketing campaigns, public realm improvements and support for organisations to attract more visitors and investment.
Mark Goodall, chair of Portsmouth City Centre BID, said: “Businesses told us they wanted a stronger voice and a dedicated organisation focused on delivering improvements.
“Gilly’s appointment is an important milestone in turning those ambitions into action. She brings a strong mix of experience, local knowledge and passion for Portsmouth, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”
Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said the city centre was “changing”, with “significant investment and regeneration helping to shape its future”.
“The BID will play an important role in ensuring businesses are at the heart of that transformation. Working alongside the council and other partners, it will help deliver practical improvements, attract more visitors and investment, and create a city centre that reflects the ambition we have for Portsmouth.”
The city centre BID will be funded through a levy paid by around 293 organisations, generating more than £320,000 annually. It will run from October until September 2031.