New Chichester BID chairman looking forward to working in 'very special city'

That was the message from the new chairman of the Chichester Business Improvement District (BID), Derek Marsh, who was selected following the resignation of Colin Hicks, 'after a very successful four years in the position'.

A BID spokesperson said: "Derek is a senior leader who has worked alongside organisations across a range of industries, both in the UK and overseas.

"He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of business to the role, including experience working with central government and local authorities.

"Derek has previously sat on a number of company boards. Having lived in the Chichester area for over eight years, Derek is enthusiastic about supporting his local community."

Derek said Chichester is a 'very special city' and 'one of the best in the UK'.

He added: "My aim is to help Chichester BID maintain the city as a prosperous and attractive place to live, work and visit; and, despite the current difficulties, and with the local authorities and other organisations, to improve it wherever possible.”

'Due to the struggles high streets across the nation are currently facing', there will be 'long-term challenges' for the city and the chairman’s role will include assisting businesses through these times and helping to plan for the year ahead.

Brendon Cook, acting chairman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Derek to this voluntary role at what is a challenging but exciting time in our organisational development.

"We are approaching our third term ballot and so this is an ideal opportunity for Derek to contribute to shaping the city centre for the future. We are confident his experience and background will be invaluable in supporting us to achieve our aims.”

'Committed to strengthening and maintaining a high performing board of directors', Chichester BID has also appointed a new vice-chairman, Helen Marshall, who has 'extensive experience in the retail sector', currently working as a strategic retail development consultant.

Drawing on skills from her career which includes roles as sales director for White Stuff and retail trading director for Warehouse Fashions, Helen will assist Derek and the wider BID team the shared goal to 'support, enhance and promote Chichester city centre'.

Helen said: “I am delighted to be joining the Chichester BID board and supporting Derek and the team in helping to shape the future of the retailing and business environment within Chichester."

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.