Harrogate BID has announced a new Chair.
Following the departure of Sara Ferguson at the end of 2024 after a number of years of commitment to the BID, the team has revealed that Simon Midgley, owner of Starling in the town centre, has taken on the role of Chair for 2025.
Lyndsay Snodgrass, of Verity Frearson in Harrogate, will remain in the Vice Chair role for the upcoming year.
Lyndsay stepped up to fill the position in early 2024 and was voted to remain in place by Directors following a successful year.
Simon, who joined the BID as a director at the start of 2024, said:
"It’s a huge privilege to take on the role of Chair at Harrogate BID. After joining the Board as a Director in January last year, I’ve had the opportunity to see the team grow from strength to strength as we move further into our second term and continue to make a positive difference.
“Teamwork and collaboration are central to my business ethic and are the inspiration behind the name Starling.
"Starlings are known for spectacular community murmurations and I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow board members, the BID team and all the fantastic businesses across town as we move ahead as an ambitious team with a common goal."
Simon added:
“I’d like to thank Sara Ferguson for her commitment and dedication to the BID in both Chair and Director roles over the last few years and wish her the best for the future.
“We’ve got so much planned for the upcoming year with both new and returning events, services and campaigns as we look to build on the success we have made so far.”
Other changes in the BID board have seen Stacey Geeney and Terina Daly of Piglet in Bed on James Street step up into Director roles, along with Katie Summersall of the Turkish Baths.
In a joint statement, Stacey and Terina said:
“We are very excited to be joining the BID board.
"Having worked in Harrogate retail for a combined total of 40+ years, we feel that we can help make a difference to our town.
“Harrogate is a very special place for both of us and we look forward to sharing ideas and working alongside the fantastic Harrogate BID team.”
Meanwhile, Katie Summersall said she’s thrilled to be joining a top BID team in Harrogate.
Katie added:
“I’m looking forward to representing leisure and working with the BID.
"I think the BID already do great things and I look forward to achieving greater things together.”

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