Meet the team of passionate board members who fuel what we do at Huddersfield BID.
Our Commitment
One of the biggest challenges Huddersfield has to overcome is the negative perception by many who have never even visited the town and from those who live in and around the town. It has its economic challenges but its strength in its manufacturing base and its acclaimed University provide great platforms from which to develop the town into an exciting place to live, work and invest and not a place which simply looks forlorn, tired and locked in the past.
The BID Business Plan has been created by a volunteer working group of business people like you with a wide range of business experience, representing your interests. They have given their time freely because they believe in the future of Huddersfield and are willing to play their part in helping to shape it.
Our board members give their time to steer and make decisions on behalf of Huddersfield BID. All board members represent a business in Huddersfield which pays levy. Below you can find out more about the people behind our work, and why they’re passionate about making Huddersfield a positive place.
Executive Directors
Joe Lawson
Chair of Huddersfied BID
I have a broad background in Marketing. Over the years I have honed my skills with various roles at not-for-profits as well as commercial organisations and also have experience of working within the Business Improvement District (BID) industry having previously worked for Leeds BID.
I am a lifelong Huddersfield Town fan and resident of Lindley. I joined the Huddersfield BID Board in December 2021.
I’m passionate about driving improvement for Huddersfield Town Centre. I feel Huddersfield BID can act as a catalyst to enhance the town centres offering and amplify its existing assets for the benefit of all those who live, work and visit Huddersfield Town Centre.
Chan Khangura
Vice Chair of Huddersfield BID
I am the Managing Director & Proprietor of Whitegates Estate Agents Huddersfield which also incorporates Whitworths Managing Agents, Easy Lettings Northwest and Linden Lettings.
I have extensive knowledge of the property market in our area and have been a resident in Huddersfield my whole life. My business is based in the Town Centre, I can see the challenges that lie ahead but am impressed so far to see what Sam and the team have achieved in meeting the objectives. I am delighted to be a member of the board and cannot wait to provide my input where needed. Lets make Huddersfield great again!
Vernon O'Reilly
Huddersfield BID Director
Hayley Higgins
Huddersfield BID Director
David Amies
Huddersfield BID Director
I joined the board of Huddersfield BID around two years ago, having lived and worked in the area for much of the last 25 years. In that time, I have seen the challenges facing our town centre in common with many other towns across the area. Huddersfield remains a great place to live and work but has so much more potential with its fantastic buildings, a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. I have worked alongside many local businesses in my role as Head of Commercial Property at Ridley and Hall, Solicitors. My clients will tell me what is good – and not so good – about Huddersfield. I believe I can bring this knowledge to the BID and help Huddersfield realise its potential.
Huddersfield BID Board Members
Alasdair Brown
Huddersfield BID Board Member
I have been the Chief Executive of Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), the local, not-for-profit, charitable leisure trust, since 2008 and have considerable experience of working in the public sector prior to this, with a number of local authorities, in various leisure and senior management roles, as well as some time with Sport England. I am involved in a wide range of partnership forums in Kirklees and further afield, as well as being a Board member of Third Sector Leaders – Kirklees and the Chair of the Kirklees Youth Alliance (KYA). A passion of mine is trying to give local young people the best possible chance in life. As a resident of Almondbury, I am keen to try to help Huddersfield be a thriving place in which to live, work and grow up in and see the BID as being a key part of this. I joined the BID Board in March 2020.
Becky Atkinson
Huddersfield BID Board Member
I am the General Manager of The Lawrence Batley Theatre. Born and bred in Huddersfield, I studied English Literature at the University of Leeds and Arts Management at the University of Manchester and previously worked in music and contemporary dance before joining the Lawrence Batley team in December 2019. I firmly believe that arts, culture and events are crucial to place making, and I’m excited to work with the BID to celebrate everything Huddersfield has to offer.
Matthew Short
Huddersfield BID Board Member
As a member of staff at the Students’ Union, I have a passion for ensuring students have the best possible experience while they study at the University. A big part of this student experience is intrinsically linked to the Town Centre and the experience Huddersfield businesses can provide for students. At the University we have a hyper-diverse community whose interactions and interests will range dramatically. I got involved with the BID Board to link information about the student population, issues and current trends while sharing campaigns and initiatives back to students. I also find it incredibly important for the town to retain graduates to contribute towards the long term economic development of Huddersfield.
Naheed Mather
Huddersfield BID Board Member
I’m Naheed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Dalton Councillor. I am an avid supporter of Huddersfield BID and passionately believe that a thriving local economy is key to economic resilience, enabling the town centre to become a destination of distinction and a celebration of our shared cultural heritage. A successful BID also demonstrates successful business partnerships by offering extra capacity to deliver more, both in terms of activities and post Covid Recovery Support.
Huddersfield BID: Bringing everything Together
