Huddersfield Business Improvement District (BID) is looking for a new manager to drive forward the transformation of Huddersfield town centre.

After 15 months, most of which saw the town centre impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, BID manager Matthew Chapman is to move on, taking up a new role at Harrogate BID.

Matthew is due to leave his role by early May and will help to recruit his successor.

BID chairman Daniel Krigers thanked Matthew for his hard work and dedication and wished him all the best in his new role.

Huddersfield BID was established in late 2019 and Daniel said: “The progress that the BID has made and the impact it has had – in a year which has been interrupted hugely by the Covid-19 pandemic – is testament to Matthew’s abilities and drive to succeed.

“The foundations have been laid for the BID to deliver on an unbelievable number of projects this year and the vacancy really is a great opportunity to contribute towards transforming our town centre.”

Huddersfield BID, which raises money through a levy paid by town centre businesses and organisations, has £2 million to be spent on making Huddersfield an accessible, safe, vibrant and attractive destination.

The post of BID manager is crucial to the success of the BID project and the realisation of its five-year business plan. The advertised salary for the role is £42,000 to £47,000 a year.

BID says: “The successful candidate will need to demonstrate leadership and a broad skill set preferably from a commercial background as well as personal resilience, gravitas and the ability to build strong enduring relationships.

“This role will be very hands on so the BID manager must be comfortable wearing all the hats required for such a diverse remit.”

Matthew said he was sad to leave but had been offered an opportunity he could not refuse.

He said he was “incredibly privileged” to have been manager at Huddersfield BID and it had been a “challenging but positive” time.

He added: “I would like to thank the Huddersfield BID board, directors and partners for the opportunity to lead the BID in what has been a very exciting 15 months. I look forward to supporting my successor in continuing this positive focus.”

Further information on the role can be found here.