Southport BID has appointed Luke Randles as its new Business Engagement Manager.
Luke began his role on Monday (19 April) and is looking forward to connecting with local businesses straight away.
His initial tasks will include helping with the further rollout of the Southport Gift Card, helping traders with the Savings Procurement Programme and liaising with the many local independent businesses in the town.
Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint Luke to the new role of Business Engagement Manager. We are pleased that he will be the right person to support our local businesses expertly with everything they need.
“He will be a familiar face to many in the business community in Southport. He has worked as Manager at Tap and Bottles in Cambridge Arcade, and knows exactly what it needs to run a successful business in Southport.
“He is unique in that he has a great knowledge from being on the ground in Southport already, and he will be able to relate to everyday business issues in our town.
“One of his projects will be to continue the momentum of the Southport Gift Card campaign, encouraging more local businesses to sign up to this initiative and inviting more people to buy them for family, friends or colleagues. Southport Gift Card is all about reinforcing the message that unity of purpose is very important in Southport and that people need to support their local shops, restaurants and other businesses.
“With Luke’s appointment, Southport BID is ensuring that our levy payers are receiving the levels of support they deserve.”
While Manager at Tap and Bottles in Cambridge Arcade, Luke worked with owner Julian Burgess to create huge success for the business.
During the past few years the venue was awarded the title of CAMRA Merseyside Pub of the Year twice, completed an expansion, created a new Beer Street Festival and launched a successful online delivery service when the Covid pandemic struck.
Luke said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved, and the community we’ve built up in the last six and a half years. I am hoping that my experience and understanding of what it’s like to run a business in Southport town centre gives me a better knowledge of what we need to offer.
“Along with Julian, we organised Southport Beer Street, a successful yearly event that has brought people from the UK and beyond into Southport.
“I have experience working closely with small businesses to help with business development, web design, photography and other aspects.
“Looking forward I am excited for the challenge of working with businesses in Southport at such a vital time for them.
“I am keen to drive a sense of community within our town and to get us all working together for the same goal.
“My aim is to be approachable, to ensure that each business feels that their voice is always heard, and to keep an open mind to the variety of ways in which we as the BID can support Southport town centre.
“I am a staunch believer that Southport has a lot to offer for both residents and visitors. It has been great to see busy shops, bars, and restaurants in the last week, and I’m hoping we can build on that this summer and beyond.”
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