As it looks to take a lead in Southport’s recovery and growth following the pandemic, Southport BID is looking to grow its team

Southport BID is stepping up its efforts to help the town plan its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by looking to appoint a new business engagement manager.

With its dependence on the leisure and hospitality sector, Southport has been hit particular hard by the pandemic and the multiple lockdowns and restrictions. BID chief executive Rachel Fitzgerald is leading a drive to help existing businesses recover – and diversify the local economy.

With the vaccine rollout in full swing and COVID cases falling there is hope that the country will start to open up again in the spring. Rachel believes the recovery will also pose challenges, but also offer opportunities. And she says organisations such as the BID must be ready to lead.

She said: “We are looking to grow our team as we looking to take a pivotal role in Southport’s recovery from the pandemic. So we are seeking a dynamic individual to engage with our existing BID members and promote Southport as both a leisure and business destination.

The successful candidate will focus on private sector engagement and support the BID’s impact marketing campaigns, events and programmes. Rachel added: “We already have great relationships with the town’s business community and we are looking for someone who can grow that even further.”

In recent months Rachel has talked about the need to diversify Southport’s economy. She says it is vital for the BID to support the leisure and retail businesses hit badly by the pandemic and, at the same time encourage the growth of other sectors.

“Southport has a fantastic reputation as a visitor destination. We have an amazing leisure offer and there are plans to enhance that even further. And we are ambitious to grow the town’s economy beyond that, encouraging businesses and entrepreneurs in sectors such as professional services and digital. It’s why we need a strong and highly-motivated team here at the BID.

Deadline to apply for the business engagement manager is 5pm on Friday, February 26. For more details or to apply, click here.