SKIPTON Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed a new chair to take over from Andrew Mear who stepped down earlier in the year.

Neil Roe, who was appointed chair at a meeting of BID board members on July 17, replaces Mr Mear, owner of Skipton's High Corn Mill, who had supported the business organisation for 16 years.

Neil's wife Michelle has owned and operated Skipton’s Herriots Hotel for 35 years and Neil is a hospitality and Bradford MBA graduate who successfully built one of UK’s largest Pub Companies. He is also a volunteer for the Kings Trust and is a school chair of governors.

Anita Lall, principal and chief executive of Craven College and a BID board member since May, 2013, was voted BID vice chair.

James Cunningham the manager of the Skipton Hotel, formerly Hotel Rendezvous, was also voted on to the board as a director.

The new directors were voted in by the existing board of directors at the board meeting on July 17. The board is made up of ten directors who represent the town's business sectors.

Skipton BID, which in April started its fourth, five year term, has recently been awarded industry standard accreditation from The BID Foundation by demonstrating high standards including its business plan, governance mechanisms and reporting.

Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID manager said “We are delighted Skipton BID has been awarded this accreditation. The BID team and board members continually work towards being transparent and open in all that they deliver. The award coincides with the appointment of a new chair of the board, Neil Roe who is committed to ensuring the BID delivers all activities to a high standards.”

Find out more about Skipton BID at: https://skiptonbid.com/