THE Ilkley Business Improvement District has welcomed the appointment of three new voluntary directors to its board.

Cassie Bowley, owner of Fresh Skincare & Beauty Salon, Sarah Barr-Young, managing partner of Stowe Family Law and Paul Craggs, owner/manager of The Ilkley Shoe Company have joined the Ilkley BID team bringing a wealth of retail and business experience to the table.

They will be working closely with BID chair, Ian White, BID manager, Helen Rhodes and the new full time project coordinator, Lisa Drake, in introducing further effective strategies and initiatives to support the town economy and help the town and its businesses flourish.

Cassie Bowley wanted to be involved with the BID as a way of contributing to the town. She said: “Lockdown was a difficult time for my business but fortunately my lovely clients stayed loyal to me and continued to show their support through challenging times. As a result of this, I wanted to give something back to the local community.

“Furthermore, I was keen to take full advantage of the great support offered by Ilkley BID to local businesses, as well as encouraging other BID businesses to do the same. I’m looking forward to offering advice, input and support and in particular, representing the fantastic health and beauty businesses we have in the town.”

Paul Craggs of the long established Ilkley Shoe Company is also keen to support the town saying: “The Ilkley community has shown its support to my business for the past 12 years and I really would like to repay this loyalty by working with the BID team to make the town an even better place for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Sarah Barr-Young has prior experience of working with the BID in 2019 and is pleased to be able to re-join the Board. She said: “I am fiercely proud of Ilkley, its businesses and its amazing community spirit. My experience is in professional services and I know that there are a lot of very hard working people in the town working quietly in the background. I want to be their voice in particular as I know how difficult it can be working in this industry and I believe that there is so much to be protected and promoted. I’m looking forward to working with the team to help drive the BID’s initiatives to bring about further positive change.”

Helen Rhodes added: “I am delighted that Cassie, Sarah and Paul have all joined the BID team. With their strong business, commercial and managerial expertise, as well as their local knowledge, they are a very welcome addition and bring some exceptionally strong skills to the table. We’re looking forward to their input and support.

“We have a very robust and proactive Board and management team and we are all excited about delivering a brighter future for Ilkley and ensuring that the town prospers by working together as a community.”

For more information about the work of Ilkley BID, visit: www.ilkleybid.co.uk.