The BID Board

Born and raised in York, Michael is a passionate advocate of the city and is a local high-profile chef and restaurateur who runs two firmly-established award-winning restaurants in the city. Michael is the owner of local hospitality businesses the Chopping Block and Walmgate Ale House, he also directs and manages the York Food and Drink Festival which focuses on the promotion of Yorkshire food and food education and remains passionate about sourcing local produce. He has served as Director for Visit York Board and as Chairman and Secretary of York Hospitality Association.

Frank is joint owner of  the York business R.A. Braithwaite Jewellers,  a company that's been based in York for over 70 years.  He is former Chairman of the York Retail Forum and Chairman of the Institute of Registered Valuers of Great Britain and Ireland.  He is also a member of the National Committee of the National Association of Jewellers and Trustee of the “Centenary Trust” charity.

Neil has over 30 years of retail experience and has worked with several businesses including Binns Department Stores (House of Fraser). He began his career in finance then followed his passion for retail. Neil joined Fenwick Ltd in 2007 as Store Director in the flagship Newcastle location before moving onto Fenwick York in the same capacity, in 2010.

Sarah is Strategic Partner at Grays Court Hotel & The Bow Room Restaurant.  Sarah's diverse experience includes working in hotels, the probation service and as Company Director in the railway industry. The last five years has seen her return to her core passion; hospitality. Her role at Grays Court has involved steering the hotel to win the accolades of 'Visit York Hotel of the Year' two years in succession and 'Welcome to Yorkshire Best Small Hotel 2019'.  Sarah is currently appointed as Deputy Chair of Hospitality Association York (HAY) and sits as a member of the Indie York Steering Committee.

Colin joined the BID board in 2015, representing York’s professional sector. He helped shape the BID company’s five year budget and its legal framework. Colin has lived and worked in York for over twenty years, working in Aviva’s finance team. Since the BID’s launch Colin has been actively involved in managing the company’s finances, as well as its Street Cleaning and Rangers initiatives. 

Robert is a solicitor at Harrowells where he serves as the Managing Partner. He is responsible for strategic and operational control of the business, including financial management. He has worked in the city centre for 25 years and has extensive management and commercial experience and vast knowledge of York’s professional businesses.

Phil owns the Potions Cauldron and has been self-employed and trading for 15 years.  He helped form the Shambles Traders Association and serves as Vice Chair of York’s Retail Forum.  He has volunteered as a Special Police Constable and as Company Secretary for a volunteer-run organisation in Thirsk. He is a champion for enhancing the trading ability of York’s businesses and strengthening its presence in the city centre.

Andy has represented Fishergate ward for the Green Party since being elected as one of the first Green councillors for York in 2003. He now serves as Deputy Council Leader and Leader of the Green Party in York. Over the years he has been involved in everything from securing LED lighting on the Millennium Bridge, campaigning for all flood protected access to the bridge, blocking extension of the marina along the riverbank, cycle lanes on Fulford Road, improvements outside Broadway shops, flooding, gritting, and setting up the snow warden scheme.

Andrew was first elected as a councillor for Westfield in 1994, and was leader of the Council between 2008 and 2011. He jointly set up the Acomb Traders Association, Acomb Alive! Promoting business in the Front Street shopping area. He has campaigned on local services, including protecting community centres. Andrew has previously held the position of Interim Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Environment. Following his re-election in 2019, Andrew now holds the position of Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning.

Sean is the Managing Director of Make It York, the city’s destination management organisation and a key partner of the BID. He previously served as Chief Exectuive of Newcastle NE1 BID and has been involved in a number of projects which have contributed substantially to the local economy. Sean is an experienced collaborator with a range of different organisations from government and universities, to cultural institutions and businesses.

Chris is the City Centre and Markets Manager, Make It York and works with several York city centre organisations such as York Retail Forum, the former York City team (now the BID) and Chamber of Commerce.  He is an accomplished manager with over 30 years experience in the High Street and retail sectors, working in various large cities including Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh. 

Neil is Director of the York Minster Fund, the charity dedicated to raising money for the restoration, conservation and development of York Minster. He holds several non-executive directorships on company boards that are in the farming, food and retail sectors. He is also an entrepreneur in residence with the Connect Yorkshire small business network. Neil brings over 20 years executive experience of sales and operations at senior level from across the food industry in both UK and Europe.

Angela is an Associate Director of Browns Department Store, a family business that has been operating for over 100 years. She is also the Chairperson of  York Fashion Week, an annual event which is expanding rapidly and supporting the local economy. 

Lotte is a Freelance Arts & Events Consultant. During the past two years she has curated Bloom! festival, an event celebrating 250 years of horticulture in the city. Lotte also runs her own Art Gallery in the city centre and is chair of the Fifth Quarter Trade Association representing businesses on Bootham and Gillygate.

Alistair has held Senior leadership positions in a wide range of major organisations, including Chief Executive of The Leeds Training and Enterprise Council, first Chair of the Parades Commission in Northern Ireland, Chief Executive of The Industrial Society (now known as the Work Foundation), Chair Police Complaints Authority, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Chair of the British Transport Police Authority and Chair of Phonepay Plus (now known as The Phone Paid Authority).