City News

There’s a new figure at the helm of retail in Birmingham, tasked with driving the city forward as a shopping capital.

Retail Birmingham has appointed a new Business Manager to lead the Business Improvement District (BID), representing up to 800 retailers in the city centre.

Nigel Godfrey will become the new voice of retail in Birmingham, operating from City Centre Partnership’s Bullring offices, and brings more than 20 years experience to the role, having worked for Burtons, Debenhams and Woolworths. Most recently he has spent five years as Town Centre Manager in Erdington.

He said:  “I’m thrilled to take on this role, to present retailers in Birmingham city centre as one voice.

“The core objectives of the BID are to improve street operations, business support and marketing, in order to help businesses to thrive, attract more people to shop in the city and to enhance the experience for those who already do so.

“With such a diverse range of stores, from the big shopping centres of Bullring and Mailbox and high street names, to chic department stores like Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, designer outlets and independent clothing, jewellery and gift retailers, Birmingham truly is a world-class shopping destination.  It is also one of the safest places in the country to shop which is a big selling point for families in particular.

“There are also a number of bars, hotels, and other eateries within the Retail area and it will be great to join all of these up to promote one stylish city centre.  We’ll be developing the day to day running of the city centre retail area, as well as introducing new marketing campaigns, events and other activities to capture people’s imagination and earn Birmingham the credit it deserves.”

During his time as Erdington’s Town Centre Manager, Nigel enjoyed great success, delivering innovation with linking CCTV and store security systems to reduce crime, marketing initiatives, sustained improvements to street scene and urban realm, and a series of events.  Highlights include awards for the introduction of town centre community events in 2003 and the West Midlands Regional Award in 2006 for delivery of the Arts Champion scheme with IKON Gallery.

Nigel is also experienced in the operation of BIDs, having led Erdington to become the first local centre in the UK to become a Business Improvement District earlier this year.