Tell us a little bit about yourself
I retired in 2016 after a long career. Before retiring, I worked for 20 years at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne as the Director of Infrastructure. My work focused on researching roads and railways and finding better ways to build and maintain them.
Can you give us some background to your working career?
TRL had sites in both Bracknell and Wokingham. Alongside that, I represented the Economic and Skills Development Partnership (ESDP). After I retired, I became Chair of that group, which is now known as the Bracknell Economic Partnership.
Why are you a BID board director and why do you volunteer your time for the local business community?
I was invited by Bracknell Forest Council to help explore setting up the BID and assess how it could work locally. Once the BID was established and our Chair, Maria, came on board, the project really took shape with support from other organisations. I’ve worked on similar projects during my career, so getting involved here felt like a natural fit. I enjoy helping new ideas come to life and making a positive difference.
Why are you passionate about the Bracknell BID area?
I’m proud that the BID has completed its first five years and continues to grow. I’m especially passionate about improving green spaces, which make Bracknell look and feel better. It’s important we make Bracknell a great place to live and work.
What skills and experience do you bring to the BID board?
Having been involved since the start, I’ve enjoyed watching the BID grow. My career has always focused on project-based work, which suits the BID’s way of working well. I like pushing initiatives forward and finding fresh approaches, which is something the BID always has plenty of.
What projects or initiatives that the BID has delivered are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the work to develop the lake and improve our outdoors spaces. These projects really enhance the area. I’m also pleased with the health and wellbeing programmes within the BID, that encourage workers to stay active and healthy.
What difference do you hope the BID will have made in the next five years?
I’m keen to see more environmental and sustainability projects, especially a shared energy scheme. There’s a lot of potential to improve green spaces further. As chair of a local environmental group with over 300 members, I believe it’s important we look after the planet.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my free time, I enjoy gardening and growing wildflowers. I’m active in environmental projects like hedgehog highways and litter picking. I’m also a keen photographer and part of a photography club.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve received is to never give up when facing a problem. Keep going — that’s the mantra I live by.