Rachel Laver, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Joins our Board

Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Laver, Chief Executive Officer of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, to its Board of Directors.

With a wealth of experience in driving economic growth and fostering vibrant business communities,Rachel's position as BID Lead Director for Business Community Support will continue to deepen the strong collaboration already established between Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the BID as they help to provide valued and effective support for city centre businesses.



(Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID Board L - R: Paul Williams, Tracey Barker, Amy Whittaker, Rachel Laver, Julie Davies, Jonathan Bellamy)

Following her recent appointment as CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Rachel Laver has demonstrated exceptional leadership in spearheading initiatives that support business development, entrepreneurship and workforce training throughout the region with over 25 years of experience. "I live in Staffordshire and am proud to do so." comments Rachel. "Having worked for the City Council and other local regeneration bodies in the past, I am really looking forward to bringing my experience to support the City Centre BID and team and helping the City achieve its potential, creating realistic, achievable and ambitious plans for the City."

Jonathan Bellamy, Chairman of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID remarks: "I couldn’t be more pleased to see Rachel join our BID Board. When looking at who could lead our Business Community Support objectives we could think of no one better than the Chief Exec of the Chambers. Supporting businesses? It’s their day job! But Rachel brings more than that, with serious experience that will significantly inform and shape the BID’s role in helping to take our city centre forward in the coming years."

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID looks forward to welcoming Rachel Laver's expertise whilst continuing their mission to create a safe, welcoming and engaging business environment in Stoke-on-Trent. This appointment comes hot on the heels of the appointment of Boots Manager Tracey Barker to the BID Board back in February.

"Tracey has already proven her business leading acumen" Jonathan continues. "In her first year our city centre Boots was judged runner up in more than 300 stores across the region. Tracey will have much to contribute to the BID Board about overcoming challenges and succeeding at the coal face of city centre retail."

These two crucial additions to the Board of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID will help to continuously provide strategic direction and input and are responsible to stakeholders for the conduct, performance and due governance of the BID Company.