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Ex-daily editor to manage bid to bring investment to old patch

Kevin Ward BIDA former regional daily editor has been appointed to run an organisation promoting his old patch to potential investors.

Kevin Ward, left, who served as editor of the South Wales Argus from 2012 to 2016, has been appointed manager of the Newport Now Business Improvement District.

He has been contracted by Newport Now via Kevin Ward Media Ltd, the company he founded after leaving the Argus, which is based in the city.

Kevin, who said he is “passionate” about the project, will be employed for three days a week to manage the BID and will also provide public relations services to the organisation.

He told the Argus: “I was instrumental in establishing a BID in Newport during my time at the Argus, having been involved in a similar project in Worcester, and I have been a member of its Welcome to Newport committee.

“The BID has made huge progress over the last year under [previous manager] Adrian Evans’ management and the direction of its board.

“My aim is to build on that success, raise the profile of the BID so it is seen as the go-to organisation for city centre issues, and prepare the organisation for a successful renewal ballot in 2020.”

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.

Kevin’s appointment follows similar moves by other former regional daily editors in recent years.

In 2016 Steve Hughes, former editor of York daily The Press, undertook a similar role with Bournemouth BID, while Kevan Blackadder, formerly of the Gloucestershire Echo, became a director of Cheltenham BID.