Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have appointed their first-ever Head of Business Services, a move designed to support the organisation’s rapid growth and ambitious future plans.
Following the launch of the Seafront BID earlier this year—alongside the long-established City Centre BID, which has recently expanded to include the Sheepfolds—the organisation recognised the need to strengthen its internal structure. This led to the creation of new roles aimed at managing the increasing workload.
As part of this development, former Marketing and Events Manager Roberta Redecke has stepped into the newly created role of Head of Business Services.
The new senior leadership role will see Roberta continue to work alongside CEO Sharon Appleby but with a range of new responsibilities.
Along with developing operational plans, Roberta will be involved in income generation strategies, contribute to the general strategic direction of the BID along with working and strengthening relationships with levy payers and key stakeholders in the city and represent the BIDs at both local and national levels.
Roberta has worked with the BID since 2016, first joining as a Marketing and Communications Intern.
Over the years she has been involved in a whole range of initiatives and events and will now bring all of her experience and knowledge to the new role.
“I am very excited to continue to play an integral part in helping the BID reach its full potential,” said Roberta.
“The organisation has grown and changed massively since I first joined and it’s fantastic to see the real benefit it has brought to the city centre and now to the seafront.
“It is such a pivotal time in Sunderland as the city benefits from widespread investment and the BID has a very important role to play in the continued growth.
“I’m looking forward to taking on these new responsibilities and working alongside Sharon and the team to ensure the BID continues to make a positive contribution across the city.”
Sharon Appleby is also delighted at Roberta’s appointment.
“As the BIDs’ workloads increase it is really important that our structure is fit-for-purpose and we can deal with the demands on the organisation,” she said.
“Roberta has been a valued member of the team for a number of years and will bring knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the new role.”
The new appointment is the first result of a restructure at Sunderland’s BIDs, following an in-depth consultation period.
The new structure will see a number of other key appointments being made including a Marketing, Events and Comms Executive, two business liaison officers – one responsible for street services and the other for promotion and engagement – plus an additional street ranger.
If anyone is interested in finding more about the jobs, please visit https://sunderlandbid.co.uk/bid-careers/
