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New role for ex-editor bidding to bring investment to former patch

Kevan BlackadderA former regional daily editor has been appointed to oversee the promotion of his old patch in a bid to attract business investment.

Kevan Blackadder, left, formerly of the Gloucestershire Echo, has been unveiled as director of Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID).

Kevan was editor of the Echo from 2008 to 2014, and currently works as Cheltenham’s town centre manager.

BIDs are business-led partnerships set up to improve the environment for traders within a certain area, which are approved by a ballot of business rate-payers and funded by a levy on businesses.

Kevan, 56, said: “I was delighted to be closely involved in the successful formation of Cheltenham BID.

“Although there are more than 200 BIDs elsewhere in the country already, this is the first in Gloucestershire and I think it can make a real difference.

“I’m very pleased to have been given the opportunity to see through the initiatives proposed by our businesses that I am convinced will bring more people to the town.

“Cheltenham is a fantastic place with some fantastic developments already taking place. With the BID, I believe we can take things to a new level, both for the businesses and the town as a whole.”

Terri Brewster, acting chair of Cheltenham BID said: “This high profile appointment is critical to the success of the BID and we wanted to be absolutely sure we found the right person.

“After a national recruitment campaign and rigorous selection process, it was clear that the best person for the job was Kevan.

“He has worked tirelessly in his current role to help set up the BID and his enthusiasm shines through. I am sure he will deliver some real gains for the town over the next five years.”

Steve Hughes, former editor of York daily The Press, undertook a similar role with Bournemouth BID in January.