Meet the Team 2018

In September 2017, Daniel Morley resigned as BID Board Chairperson due to being offered a job in Debenhams in Barrow. Simon Thomas is currently in position as  Chair and Brian Harrison as  Vice Chair.

Other changes; Thuline de Cock has stepped down due to opening a second premises in Windermere and Julie Laughton has stepped down due to a change of job. Jan Moffat joined the Board as representative of accomodation.

Representation from South Lakeland District Council and Kendal Town Council are also be present on the board.

The BID manager is Sarah Williams and was appointed by the BID Board of Directors.

This group is responsible for delivering the BID Business Plan on behalf of the town.  The BID Directors are:

Simon Thomas, Director and  Chair (Food and Drink)

Simon Thomas is renowned in Kendal for being the creator of Staff of Life, Artisan Bread Maker. He is an ambassador to all things foodie both in the town and outwith. He is an up and coming author of a selection of creative books, a trainer of bread making and a lover of festivals.

Brian Harrison, Director and Vice-Chair (small business)

Brian Harrison is renowned in Kendal for being formally of the Federation of Small Businesses and Director of B and M Harrison Limited Financial Advice Professionals. A former Board Member (under the FSB), Brian’s business has recently opted in  to pay the Levy so that he can join us again on the BID Board. Brian served in the Royal Air Force for 10 years and has over 30 years in financial services at a senior level.

Chris Medcalf, Director (Large Retailer)

Chris is currently the Assistant Centre Director for the Westmorland Shopping Centre in the heart of Kendal. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in retail sales at varying levels of management.

Richard Moore, Director and BID Representative on Kendal Futures (Office and Professional Services)

Richard has been managing partner, at Temple Heelis for almost 10 years and has seen remarkable change during that time, both with the needs of the firm’s own business, but also those of the businesses he advises. He brings, to the BID Board, his experience in running a firm and advising businesses.

Danielle Walls, Director and Treasurer (Office and Professional Services)

Danielle, formerly of Arnold Greenwood Solicitors, is set to start work with  Thomson, Hayton and Winkley after specialising in commercial property law and in particular, retail. Danielle has been fortunate to act for many household recognised names in addition to investors and owners of shopping centres. Danielle acts for a varied range of clients from Landlords, tenants, occupiers of retail/business premises, builders and developers, property investors (individuals and companies) to leisure operators.

Derek Armstrong, Director (Chamber of Commerce)

Derek is the Manager for the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce & Industry, based in the Chamber’s Kendal office. His role encompasses Business Support for both new and existing businesses. He also, oversees the delivery of Made in Cumbria, which is owned by the Chamber as well as delivering the Tourist Information Centre for Kendal & the surrounding area. He has held this position since the Chamber’s inception in April 2001. His role also includes support to several business support programs of which the Chamber is the lead delivery body, these include:- Business Start up Support (BSUS), the New Enterprise Allowance program (Dept. of Work & Pensions / Job Centre Plus Program) and the Cumbria Business Growth Hub.

Jan Moffat, Director (Owner/ manager of Kendal Hostel)
Jan Moffat owns and runs Kendal Hostel with her daughter. As a family run business, they understand the need for great customer service and a passion for the area they live in. Jan represents accommodation providers on the BID Board

Eloise Healy, Director (Owner/ manager of Retro Circus)
Eloise Healy, 47, spent her career up to 2015 in the nuclear industry as a Project Mgr. at Sellafield (Cumbria) and Rolls Royce Submarines (Derby), she moved to Kendal in 2015, taking a step away from the commercial sector. After immersing herself in an abundance of design, marketing and personal training, she opened Retro Circus on Blackhall Yard, Kendal, finding it a delight to be a shop owner in Kendal.

She currently leads most of the activities for the Blackhall Yard with regards to marketing, advertising and PR (although self-appointed, she finds it impossible not to get involved), these include; building the yard website, designing brochures and flyers to manufacturing the new yard signage. Inspired by how involved Kendal BID are with local businesses and shop owners, it has been a desire of hers to  be a board member, to explore how and where she can offer her skills, knowledge and hardworking approach beyond her shop and yard to Destination Kendal.

Sarah Williams, Kendal BID Manager 

Sarah joined as a part- time Kendal BID Manager in August 2014 and brings with her a vast amount of experience in senior project management and a love of Kendal.

Membership of Kendal BID is open to all Kendal BID levy payers at no extra cost.  Membership means you will receive regular information on BID activities and town centre issues.  Membership will also entitle you to vote on all BID Company issues at Annual and General Meetings.   To become a member please complete this Membership Form.   Join the BID

Developing Kendal BID

The development of the Kendal BID was led by a BID Shadow Board and prior to this a Development Group.  More information about the work of these groups and the notes from their meetings can be found on our BID History page.