The BID Team
The BID Team
Positively Putney BID is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who represent levy payers from a range of sectors and organisations in the Putney BID area. The Board advises on operational and service delivery issues, oversee performance measurement, and act as the primary consultative body on BID services. They are responsible for the BID’s financial arrangements, contractual obligations, human resources, standards and compliance, and strategic direction. Members of the Board of Directors are subject to election at the Annual General Meeting.
Nicola Grant (Executive Director) leads the small salaried team and is responsible for ensuring that the objectives and services detailed in the business plan are successfully delivered.
Meet the BID team
Nicola Grant – Executive Director
Nicola Grant
Executive Director
Nicola Grant, born and grew up in Wandsworth, has always enjoyed spending time in Putney. She led the BID development during 2016, and has been the Executive Director for the Putney BID Company since its inception. Nicola is responsible for ensuring the BID objectives are delivered.
She has worked in regenerating town centres for twenty years. Nicola is a fellow of the Institute of Place Management, has completed the British BIDs Certificate in BID Management, and the Diploma in BID Leadership.
When I contemplate the next five years, it is interesting to imagine what a town centre will look like in 2028.
Ciara Wilczur – Operations Manager
Ciara was raised in Putney and has worked in the area for 16 years. She has previously worked in the night time economy and understands the challenges businesses face. She enjoys speaking with business owners and exploring new ways to improve the town centre.
Fleur Brass – Marketing Officer
Since writing her university dissertation researching the future of retail, community and sustainability, Fleur has been interested in business and how marketing can tell stories.
She enjoys using her varied skills to promote Putney and make it a place people love to talk about and ultimately visit.
The Board of Directors
Putney BIDCO Limited is governed by a board of volunteer directors reflecting the business sectors, size and geographic location of the levy paying businesses.
The board will be subject to re-election at the Annual general meeting.
Veronika Wilson – Putney Arts Theatre
Veronika is the Chair of Positively Putney Board. Veronika is the general manager part of the Putney Arts Theatre. The Theatre works closely with Putney families and young people as part of the local arts community.
Veronika’s personal background has been within the arts and third sector areas. She is part of the steering committee for Wandsworth Arts Fringe, the borough wide annual fringe festival, and has an interest in the ways in which artistic intervention can help animate everyday space.
Robert Lusher – Russell Cooke
Robert is a partner in the real estate team at Russell Cooke, which is situated close to Putney railway station. Russell Cooke moved to Putney after the second world war in 1958 and has been an important presence in the High Street ever since supporting local businesses and individuals. As well as physically being at the centre of Putney, the firm is fully involved in Putney’s community life and is one of its largest employers.
Dominic Stead – Sporting Feet
Dominic is the joint owner of independent sports footwear retailer Sporting Feet. Sporting Feet opened in Putney in June 2011 and have established strong links in the local community. Before launching Sporting Feet, Dominic had a successful 25 year career in the media and advertising sector.
Anthony Hicks – Metro Bank
Anthony is the Local Director for the Putney branch. Metro Bank love getting involved in the local area. From community events to setting up business networking sessions, and Anthony likes to lead on them. Metro Bank is ideally located to ensure that Putney High Street is represented on the Board.
Cllr Kemi Akinola – Wandsworth Council
Councillor Akinola sits on the board of Directors on behalf of Wandsworth Council. Councillor Akinola is the Deputy Leader of the Council and the cabinet lead on the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture.
Kemi is the founder of Be Enriched a charity working to reduce hunger and loneliness and Managing director of Brixton People’s Kitchen which develops community led community shops across south London.
Jamie Catling – McDonalds
Jamie purchased Putney McDonalds on Putney High Street at the end of 2022. He is passionate about businesses working together to develop Putney town centre, and making it a town of destination. Jamie has worked in retail for the last 40 years both in the corporate world and as an independent franchisee which bring a good perspective to the board.
Shweta Razdan – Kashmir
Shweta, with her husband is the owner of the only Kashmiri restaurant in England. Located on Lacy Road, it is a fine neighbourhood restaurant. Shweta brings the perspective of a small independent operator to the Board meetings.
Judith Chegwidden – Putney Society
Judith sits on the Board as an observer, ensuring that the residents voice is heard. She has been a member of Putney Society for 30 years. From its inception in 1959, it has been proactive in protecting the built environment in Putney and, more recently, has been concerned with maintaining a balance between local employment and commercial space whilst adding to the housing stock.
Metropolitan Police
The Thamesfield ward Safer Neighbourhood team, as well as Police licensing officers and Counter Terrorism officers work closely with the BID team to ensure Putney town centre remains safe. They will attend the BID Board meetings as necessary.
Lorinda Freint – Wandsworth Council
Lorinda Freint is the Business and Enterprise Manager within the Economic Development Office at Wandsworth Council. She attends the BID Board meetings as an observer.