Board

I believe Skipton to be a unique place, of which all of us who live or conduct business in the town can be justifiably proud. We are fortunate to be connected with this historic town, with one of the finest medieval castles in the North of England, a wonderful and charismatic retail area, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and its basin, a fascinating museum which houses a rare Shakespearian First Folio, and an ancient market, alongside many other attractive features. Skipton is a great place for families and animal lovers having Skipton Castle woods at the top of the High Street. In addition Skipton is the historic Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, an area that can be truly described as one of the finest examples of natural beauty in the country with all the benefits this brings for tourism in the area.

Back in 2009 businesses voted for a Business Improvement District (BID) to be set up in Skipton and re-voted for the BID to continue in 2014 and again in 2019. By doing so the businesses have enabled the BID board to invest approximately £1.5 million in Skipton to date; and the recent successful ballot has opened up the opportunity to invest a further £800,000 in Skipton over the coming five years. The Board are committed to continuing to raise the town’s profile and enabled Skipton to remain relevant, a place where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.

Moving forward we see more changes in the high street as the technological revolution continues at a pace. It is up to us to adapt quickly embracing the changes making Skipton a better safer place for people to enjoy their leisure time. The Skipton BID can only help improve our town, and without it we will see Skipton fail to meet its full potential.

Andrew Mear
Chairman

Board Members

Andrew Mear

Chairman
Andrew has an extensive property portfolio across West Yorkshire, and has various properties he owns and manages in Skipton.
Rachel is a third generation Director at Merritt and Fryers Limited, a long-standing family owned timber, builders, plumbers and decorators merchant based in Skipton. Rachel joined the board in July 2020.

Rachel Fryers

Board Member
Rachel is a third generation Director at Merritt and Fryers Limited, a long-standing family owned timber, builders, plumbers and decorators merchant based in Skipton. Rachel joined the board in July 2020.

Ivan Le Roux

Board Member
Ivan worked in Skipton for over a decade and now supports local small businesses with advice on risk and insurance structures. Ivan is also the President of the Skipton Chamber of Trade and Commerce and represents their interest on the Board.

Dave Parker

Board Member
Dave is currently the Chief Officer of Skipton Town Council, one of the two ex-officio local authority positions on the Board. He joined the Council in 2007 following a 20 year career in media which included roles heading up the press and communications team for a large local authority, as well as management and presentation roles at a number of local commercial radio stations. He joined the Board following the BID’s second renewal in 2014.

David Smurthwaite

Board Member
David is currently the Strategic Manager of Craven District Council, one of the two ex-officio local authority positions on the Board. He joined the Board following the BID’s second renewal in 2014.

Geraldine Thompson

BID Manager
Geraldine has lived most of her life in Skipton, married to Adrian and Mum to Rachael, Jessica & Jack! She feels passionate about this Town and wants to help keep Skipton vibrant for both the businesses and the community. Geraldine joined the Board in 2015, following a 25 year career in Banking and Finance, and is currently the BID Manager.

Malcolm Weaving

Board Member
Malcolm owns the Rendezvous Hotel on Keighley Road in Skipton, and joined the Board in 2015 as a Member Director.

Stephanie Wheelhouse

Board Member
Stephanie is the Chief Executive for Skipton & Craven Action for Disability (SCAD) and joined the Board in 2018 as a Member Director.
Skipton Board Member Lindsey Johnson profile photo

Lindsey Johnson

Board Member
Lindsey is Principal and Chief Executive of Craven College (incorporating Tyro Training). Lindsey joined the Board in March 2020.

Penny Blakey

Board Member
Penny works at Skipton Building Society and, as Head of Quality Assurance, is part of the Senior Leadership Team. Penny joined the Board in 2020.