Job switch for council director paid £99,000

FORMER HARROGATE Convention Centre director Simon Kent will remain on the district council’s payroll until September, but in a new position.

His replacement at the centre, Paula Lorimer, started her tenure as director earlier this month, with their contracts – which are both worth £99,711 per annum – overlapping by about seven months.

However, after aiding in the transition to Ms Lorimer’s management, Mr Kent will now take on a new position with Harrogate Council up until September.

According to the council, Mr Kent’s role will be to support major projects.

Councillor Richard Cooper, inset, leader of Harrogate Borough Council and chair of Harrogate Convention Centre, said the arrangement provided a good opportunity for a seamless handover of the centre.

“Simon Kent will be staying until September to support a smooth transition within the HCC business while also being engaged on a number of major projects and events across HBC until September,” Coun Cooper (Cons) said. “These include, leading on the development of the council’s commercial strategy, supporting the delivery of the Harrogate BID (Business Improvement District), developing a new five year district destination management strategy, as well as the upcoming UCI Road World Championships which we all know will bring national and global attention.”