Ms Johnson takes over the role from Jim Gill who steps down after seven years in the role and the announcement comes as the commercial BID’s annual report is published. Tony McDonough reports

Law firm executive Julie Johnson has been named as the new chair of the Liverpool Commercial District BID.

Liverpool BID Company has announced that Julie Johnson, business operations partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, steps up to the role after seven years on the BID operating board, being deputy chair for the last year. She also holds a position on the Liverpool BID Company executive board.

Outgoing chair, Jim Gill, steps down after five years in post. He was also instrumental in winning the 2016 ballot, securing the support of BID levy payers, and extending the Commercial District BID until 2021.

It comes as the BID publishes its annual report for the Commercial District BID – which demonstrates what the BID has done on behalf of its levy payers in the area over the past 12 months.

This includes tackling crime and grime, providing business support, and rolling out art and animation to boost footfall to the streets in and around Old Hall Street and Castle Street.

Ms Johnson said: “We have seen some significant changes to our streets over the last seven years and I hope our levy payers will join me in ensuring that we deliver the objectives set out for the remaining three years of the current BID term until 2021.

“After delivering some significant public realm works over the last couple of years, we are introducing our own BID cleansing team working with Liverpool City Council to ensure that our streets are cleaner and greener than ever before and that the good work is built upon.

“Following the introduction of the two BID police officers who patrol the BID areas, we also have an aim to further reduce anti-social behaviour and security issues. This has now been extended into the evenings from Thursday to Saturday with the use of the Radio Link network and the BID evening ambassadors.”

Bill Addy, chief executive Liverpool BID Company, added: “The vision that we put forward in our 2016-2021 Commercial District BID Business Plan is becoming a reality with many of the planned initiatives beginning to bear fruit, 

The Commercial District BID operating board comprises Colin Forshaw (Bruntwood), David Swaffield (Hill Dickinson), Dayle O’Hara (Fazenda), Gavin Sherratt (Mashbo), John Clegg (Downing), Paul Moran (Mason Owen), Sean Keyes (Sutcliffe), Shane Fitzpatrick (Merseytravel), and Takis Melitsiotis (Aloft Liverpool Hotel).

To access the Commercial District BID Annual Report 2018 click here.