Nick Finlayson-Brown, Simon Wallis and David Ormrod appointed to Cambridge BID board
Three new directors have been appointed to broaden the expertise of Cambridge Business Improvement District’s board.
Nick Finlayson-Brown, head of the Cambridge office at law firm Mills & Reeve, Simon Wallis, development director at Brookgate, and David Ormrod, general manager and licensee of The Regal pub in the city have joined the team.
Mills & Reeve and Brookgate are based in the Station Square/Hills Road/CB1 area, which became part of the extended BID zone in April 2018.
Nick, who has more 25 years’ experience acting for key clients in the public, private and charity sectors, said: “I am especially keen to be involved and get others involved in community-based projects that enhance the opportunities for all and the surroundings within which we live and work, with a view to furthering Cambridge’s reputation as a centre for investment and social inclusion.”
He also heads up Mills & Reeve’s China Desk, helping to grow links with Chinese investors looking to invest in Cambridge, and aiding UK businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market.
Simon, who has been with Brookgate for four years, has managed a number of complex commercial and mixed-use development projects, including the award-winning One Station Square office development and the Grimshaw-designed 50/60 Station Road.
He said: “Cambridge station and the CB1 estate is the gateway to the city for millions each year and improving its integration with the city centre is a key focus for Cambridge BID.
“I look forward to working collaboratively in advancing the BID’s initiatives to support the fast-growing business community in the station area.”
Simon was previously involved in the redevelopment of the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham.
David brings knowledge of the evening economy and licensed trade. He has been a JD Wetherspoon pub manager for 14 years and licensee of The Regal on St Andrew’s Street for just over two years.
He previously worked for Greene King, Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns as well as independently owned and run public houses.
A member of the board of Cambridge Business Against Crime (CAMBAC), he is also involved in the Cambridge BID project group seeking Purple Flag status for the city, which denotes places that offer an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.
David said: “This is great opportunity to get involved in projects which relate to Cambridge’s night-time economy. Having previously worked in Norwich, which has been awarded Purple Flag status for two years running now, I am especially keen to see Cambridge achieve the same, and be nationally recognised as a city which provides entertaining, safe and diverse nights out.”
Ian Sandison, CEO of Cambridge BID, said: “I am delighted to welcome these three very talented individuals to our high-calibre board. They each bring fresh perspectives and insights through their business representation.
“Last April, we extended the BID area to include the Station area and Hills Road, and it has been important to support this with appointments from the new area to help develop projects that are professional sector-focused. Our night time economy is, similarly, an important sector for Cambridge – and David Ormrod brings with him a wealth of expertise in this area.
“All three directors have a shared interest in creating a world-class destination for all who visit, live and work in Cambridge.”
Last June, Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Cambridge & Beyond, Luis Navarro, the owner and director of Nanna Mexico, and Lion Yard shopping centre manager Roger Allen joined the board, which now has XX members.
Cambridge BID represents 1,200 members, and was re-elected to its second five-year term, which began in April 2018 and runs until March 2023.
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