Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I joined in February 2020, having undertaken an interview process. Having grown up in Romford and a current resident, I felt I could use my skills and experience to really make a difference to the town.

What do you bring to The BID team?

Passion, strong organisational skills, and a real desire to support businesses in the town and shout about what we have to offer, encouraging people to come and see for themselves.

What you love about Romford?

The community, heritage and history of the town, and of course the people!

Hobbies and interests: Spending time with friends and family, walking our gorgeous Cockapoo Jessie, singing in a church band and cooking.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I joined before the BID was officially created and was one of the original founding members who attended the first ballot. In the beginning, my motivation was simply to help improve the town. Now, having helped build the BID and taken on more responsibility, it has exceeded my expectations. My focus has shifted to seeing it continue to grow, supporting not just the town itself, but the people who live and work here.

What do you bring to The BID team?

Leadership, experience, guidance, and hopefully a sounding board for Julie to throw problems and ideas at.

What you love about Romford?

The people – without a doubt.

Hobbies and Interests: Motorbiking, gardening, walking, leather work, cooking and reading.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I was a founding director of Romford BID through a previous town centre management role, supporting its creation in 2016. I rejoined the board in 2017 and formally became a director again in 2019 – you could say you can’t keep me away. There are many reasons to support the BID, but for me it’s about creating positive change for our wider community. I believe the best way to do that is through collaborative civic action.

What do you bring to The BID team?

My background is in cultural project management, so as well as supporting our retailers, I provide a healthy knowledge of art and culture to support our B2C events and programmes.

What you love about Romford?

I grew up here, so it’s difficult to pin down one thing. I think our USP is our entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to give things a go. We have a huge number of small businesses and sole traders, which makes shopping and living in the area more vibrant than other towns.

Hobbies and Interests: Outside of work, I run a not-for-profit community arts organisation called The NO Collective, which supports local creatives in finding work and opportunities within the creative industries. Together with other artists, we run a wide range of events and programmes across the UK and abroad. For example, in 2025, we wrote the cultural strategy for our neighbours in Brentwood and travelled to Copenhagen for a residency programme.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I was asked to consider joining the Romford Town Management Partnership as it worked towards creating Romford BID in 2016 and became a director in 2017. I welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the business community, in which I had worked for 25 years.

Hobbies and Interests: I’m a committed member of my church and enjoy swimming, cycling, and running. I also love spending time playing with my grandchildren.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I’ve been involved with Romford my whole life – I wanted to be able to work with others to protect, promote and generate Romford as a business area. I have been involved since the BID was formed.

What do you bring to The BID team?

I live in a neighbouring borough but have frequented Romford since childhood, beginning work in a local business at the age of fourteen. After a short break to complete my degree, I returned to working in Romford twenty years ago. My long-term knowledge of the town and its community, combined with my legal expertise, allows me to contribute effectively to the BID.

What you love about Romford?

The ongoing debate about whether it is Essex or East London characterises the unique nature of Romford as a historic town with current and future plans for development.

Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy walking, mainly with a very active gundog, and researching family history. I have an interest in various antiques and collectibles. While I hold a driving licence, I choose not to own a vehicle and instead use public transport, which allows me to stay actively involved in raising issues with TfL regarding buses and trains.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I was invited to join the BID seven years ago and jumped at the chance, eager to play a part in making a real difference to the town.

What do you bring to The BID team?

Controversy, balance, passion and honesty.

What do you love about Romford?

I love the market, the realness of people and the history of the ‘good old days’ of the town.

Hobbies and Interests: I love to travel especially to hot countries. I enjoy my job and meeting new people.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I Joined in 2024, having worked previously with a BID in a different area where I saw firsthand how powerful it is when residents, businesses, local authority and support functions work in partnership. I wanted to do my part in bringing communities and businesses together with the sole goal of a better Romford for everyone.

What do you bring to The BID team?

Energy, passion and positivity.

What do you love about Romford?

I love the energy, history and the community spirit. There is a perfect blend of the rich history and the bright future here, through the market, businesses and most importantly the locals.

Hobbies and Interests: I am a lifelong Liverpool FC fan and have travelled around Europe supporting them through thick and thin.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I joined the BID in July 2019 to have input on plans that would affect both my colleagues in the office and our clients with businesses in Romford. Having lived and worked in Romford, I brought local knowledge that could help the BID achieve its goals.

What do you bring to The BID team?

I bring my extensive experience of being an accountant and able to challenge the budgets and financials, my advisory skills of working with many clients over the years and helping them grow and general business acumen.

What do you love about Romford?

The community and people.

Hobbies and Interests: Socialising with friends and family and reading.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I Joined at the very beginning and it was an opportunity to get more involved and help shape changes benefitting our diverse communities in our borough.  We need to make Romford a vibrant shopping and dining experience, a destination rather than just a transport hub.

What do you bring to The BID team?

Strong community understanding and a deep commitment to making Havering, and especially Romford, a better place to live and work, supported by first-hand experience of the passion and involvement of local residents.

What do you love about Romford?

Its history is remarkable – what a marvel to have such a historic marketplace. Over the years, it has changed, grown, and welcomed many different communities, yet it still ensures it’s open three times a week. I love the way it blends heritage with modern technology, creating a sense of cohesion and connectivity that makes the town feel vibrant and alive.

Hobbies and Interests: I’m a Strictly Come Dancing fanatic, a big McFly fan, and passionate about my family and community – from Wombles to local clean-ups.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I wanted to be involved with the BID as I am passionate about Romford, it’s community and especially small businesses. As part of a family run business that has been in Romford over 100 year, I believe Romford has so much to offer and that’s why I have been involved in the BID since its curation.

What do you bring to The BID team?

I bring enthusiasm, passion, crazy ideas and fun.

What do you love about Romford?

The community, it’s heritage and history.

Hobbies and Interests: Parks runs, walking my rather large dog, spending time with friends and family and having fun.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

Having owned and operated Storky Baby and Children’s Wear for 30 years, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing independent businesses. I wanted to be involved with The BID to help support local businesses, ensure their voices are heard, and contribute to the continued success of Romford town centre.

What do you bring to The BID team?

Storky has been part of the Havering community for over 80 years, and my experience of running both a shop and market stall has given me a strong understanding of the local business environment. I am passionate about championing small businesses and bringing a practical, independent retailer’s perspective to the BID. I have built strong relationships within the community and understand the importance of supporting businesses of all sizes.

What do you love about Romford?

Romford is a special place with a rich history and a strong sense of community. It has always been important to me to shop locally and support local businesses. I love the town’s character, its people, and the relationships that are built between businesses and customers. The loyalty and support shown by local residents is something that makes Romford unique.

Hobbies and Interests

Family is at the heart of everything I do. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Andy, my two daughters and my two young grandchildren. I also enjoy being involved in the local community and supporting initiatives that help keep Romford a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.

Why did you want to be involved with The BID?

I’ve been involved with Romford BID for nearly two years. I joined because I believe everyone in the town centre has a role to play in making Romford a better place to shop, visit, and enjoy. I want to do my part and support the fantastic work of the BID team.

What do you bring to The BID team?

For me I have a specific interest in crime prevention and ensuring the town is appealing to our visitors, this is where I like to really get involved.  Whilst I currently run a shopping centre, I was a Store Manager in retail for many years so have a good understanding of what support our levy payers want.

What do you love about Romford?

The Brewery of course, but I love the sense of community and the passion local people have for their town.

Hobbies and Interests: I’m a foodie so love getting out to nice restaurants, I also love football, tennis and boxing – but only watching them!