The Board of Directors at Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) have appointed Dr Paul Spencer as its new Executive Director.
Paul, who has worked for the BID for the past two years, most recently in the role of Business Improvement District Manager, began his new role as Executive Director on Wednesday 2 January.
Chris Turner, who has led the team as interim Executive Director, will continue in his part-time role as Business Development Director.
Paul was born in Winchester and studied at Peter Symonds College and the University of Winchester, where he completed his PhD in culture, economy and creative cities. He is also a trustee of Theatre Royal Winchester and Hat Fair.
Before joining the BID in January 2017 as a Project Manager, Paul worked for 10 years in an economic development role with a particular focus on the creative industries, town centre regeneration and supporting businesses, which saw him working predominately in Eastleigh, but also in Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester. He was also involved in the delivery of a two-year programme to promote business growth and regeneration in town centres in southern England and northern France. Prior to this he worked in retail as a team leader and manager.
Paul said “I am passionate about place management and supporting businesses and Winchester is a special place to me. It is an exciting time for the city, which is facing new challenges and opportunities. I am delighted to start the New Year in this new role and to be working closely with our team, our Board of Directors and the local business community to do our part to ensure Winchester continues to be a great place to live, visit and do business.”
Ken Macartney of Pavilion Clothing and Chair of the Winchester BID Board of Directors said “We are very pleased to have appointed a new Executive Director. Paul brings together more than a decade of experience supporting business communities along with a powerful research background. He will be excellent for both the city and the BID”.
