All change at BID as new directors look to future
SOUTHPORT BID has announced the appointment of three new directors as work begins on the organisation’s second term.
The three, all from different business sectors, were elected to the board by levy payers after the retirement of previous directors.
Kevin Horton, owner of K2 Architects, argued that the town was “brimming with possibilities” as his appointment was announced, calling for Southport to focus on becoming a progressive city region suburb.
Also elected to the role was Ian Pollitt, assistant project director at Peel Land and Property, and Tap and Bottles owner Julian Burgess.
They will work alongside fellow directors, who include hotelier Enda Rylands and Pleasureland general manager Neil Mason, and interim chair Susannah Porter, who owns Remedy Gin Bar and also chairs Southport’s Pub Watch.
Mr Horton said: “I want to lead a single vision for the future of Southport. On paper, Southport should be doing better, and it can do better. My view is that we should be focusing on making it a progressive city region suburb, focusing on why the town was built in the first place.
“Play to its unique strengths and map our ideas around them. Today we have nearly a dozen golf courses, a competition grade sailing lake, the flattest triathlon in the UK, stunning ornamental parks, and a beach that I run on every day.
“Look beyond the empty shop units, the town is brimming with possibilities.”
Ms Porter added: “At the AGM the board directors met with local businesses to discuss our vision for our town as a tourism destination.
“We all agreed how important it is that we remain positive about our beautiful town to encourage visitors to keep on coming to the town – the new board will work closely with local businesses, Sefton MBC, regional stakeholders, and national bodies to gain as much as possible to aid the regeneration of our town.”