Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) is looking for a Chair to lead and drive forward the BID which proactively supports local businesses throughout the town.

This voluntary position is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about Skipton and the local economy and who has experience and the ability to support businesses to allow Skipton to continue to thrive.  The Chair of Skipton BID will oversee the delivery of the 2024-2029 Business Plan and lead the Board of Directors.

About Skipton BID

Skipton BID Ltd is a non-profit company limited by guarantee. Created by ballot in 2009, the purpose of the BID is to improve Skipton for the benefit of all.  Skipton BID has recently won their 4^th ballot and will start a new term on 1^st April 2024 until 31^st March 2029. In April 2024, eligible businesses (occupying properties with a rateable value of £6,000+) will pay a mandatory 1.5% levy on the rateable value of their premises which will generate £1m over the five-year term.

The BID levy payers cover a diverse range of sectors including retail, office/professional, leisure/culture, education, night-time economy, food/restaurant and the public sector.

The Board currently comprises of nine voluntary Directors who are representative of the industry sectors that pay the BID levy. Board Directors are individuals who work for town businesses that pay the BID levy and have chosen to become a member of the Board.

We are looking for a Chair due to the current Chair stepping down after being involved with Skipton BID for over 15 years. The Chair’s primary role is to ensure that the Board is effective in its task of setting and implementing the Company’s direction and strategy. The Chair works closely with the Directors of the Company and BID Manager to collaboratively drive the organisations work forward.

About the role

TERM: to 31 March 2029. The expected time and commitment will be around 4 days a month.

The main purpose of the role is for the Chair to provide oversight, scrutiny, challenge and leadership to help ensure the continued success of Skipton BID. You will ensure that Skipton BID operates within the parameters of its strategy and business plan and that it is run in a transparent and equitable manner. You will lead the Board through its next phase of growth and development throughout the fourth term.

The ideal candidate will have experience of Skipton and preferably will have worked within business in the town. They will be skilled communicators who are comfortable and credible interacting across a wide range of stakeholders. The Chair will need to be a skilled chairperson and facilitator (with a private sector background) and be a powerful advocate, champion and ambassador for the BID. They will:

• Ensure that Skipton BID adheres to good governance principles.
• Ensure that the Board’s focus in on strategy, performance and assurance, rather than operational matters.
• Monitor delivery of the business plan.
• Ensure the Board are active ambassadors for Skipton BID and support the BID Manager to build networks and partnerships.
• Engage and lead stakeholders to contribute towards the on-going development and revision of the BID strategy.
• Chair bi-monthly Board meetings, facilitating open and constructive discussions and ensure all members are encouraged to contribute.
• Work with the BID Manager to shape agendas for Board meetings and ensure that all governance issues are addressed.
• Oversee the induction of Board members ensuring that a full induction process is in place.
• Champion the Skipton BID across a diverse stakeholder group as required.
• Where necessary, support Media, Press and PR activities.

Personal specification

We are looking for an inclusive leader who demonstrates high achievement in their field through professional experience in addition to chairing skills and a track record of executive and non-executive leadership.

Background, skills and experience

• Highly credible with experience of operating at a senior level within an organisation with significant complexity.
• Demonstrable track record and breadth of experience preferably relevant to at least one of the BID area key sectors at a senior level.
• Strong commitment to values of accountability, openness and equality of opportunity.

Please also note that the Company reserves the right to update the job description at its discretion. All candidates will be asked to declare any conflicts of interest.

About BIDs

Governed by statute, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are business-led partnerships which are created through a ballot process to deliver additional services to local businesses to improve the trading environment. BIDs cover a defined area in which a levy is charged on business rate payers in addition to the business rates bill. This levy is used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the local area.

The key elements of a BID scheme are:

• The BID is not a substitute for central or local government investment and services but is an additional investment in projects identified by the businesses as benefiting their business area.
• The BID arrangement involves partnership working between local businesses and the local authority, in addition to other stakeholders and public and private bodies.

Once a BID is in operation the levy is charged on all businesses within the defined area (regardless of whether or how that business voted in the ballot). BIDs last for five years after which time a renewal ballot (for a new BID) must take place.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this role, please provide the following by 18^th February 2024.

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.

A covering letter (max two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you met the person specification. The covering letter will be assessed as part of the full application.

Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you.

Referees will not be contacted without prior consent.

Please send applications to sarah@skiptonbid.com

For an initial, confidential discussion please feel free to contact Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager and she will arrange a meeting with Ivan Le Roux, Skipton BID Finance Director.