THE Hexham Business Improvement District now has a manager, ready to take the project forward.

After a hiatus in which some local businesses questioned the validity of the original ballot in February, the Hexham BID was finally given the go-ahead by Secretary of State Sajid Javid in September.

Now community development and social enterprise doyenne Helen Grayshan has been appointed to lead the programme of investment in the town designed to improve trading conditions across the board.

The individual projects developed along the way will be funded by an additional annual levy imposed on Hexham business people.

Billeted at Northumberland National Park’s head office on Eastgate until the BID establishes its own office, Miss Grayshan said: “The BID is potentially very empowering for Hexham, because it is something that’s properly resourced.

“It’s not about paying lip-service to local concerns – it is about actually actioning them.

“And we have the sort of infrastructures here needed to do that. It’s not a question of lobbying other organisations for change. It’s about getting on and doing it ourselves and using the skills Hexham already has.”

Hexham had a very diverse business sector, which would stand the BID team in good stead, she added. “Lots of ideas are being put forward – something we’re not short of is ideas! – and now’s the time to capitalise on that.”

Originally from Leeds, Miss Grayshan has spent the past four years working for the Dundee Social Enterprise Network, an organisation devoted to helping people launch and grow successful social enterprises. She has now set up home in Corbridge.

Welcoming her to her new post, Hexham BID chairman Janine Armstrong said: “Helen brings with her a wealth of experience and energy that will be essential as we plan ahead for the projects that the BID will deliver to improve business across the town.

“In the coming months, there’ll be lots of opportunities to meet with her as our work begins.”