BID Chair Says Emotional Goodbye To ‘second Home’ Harrogate To Join New Role
Harrogate BID Chair Andrea Thornborrow said an emotional goodbye to her ‘second home’ recently as she takes up a new role in pastures new.
Andrea, who has been the Manager at the Primark store in Cambridge Street since it was first opened, has been an important part of the town’s business community for over 14 years.
Andrea was appointed Chair of Harrogate BID earlier this year and has had vital involvement in the Business Improvement District since it was formed back in 2019, when she first became a BID Board Director.
Not only that, Andrea has also been a pioneer for different organisations, projects and initiatives to help support business in Harrogate over the years including Harrogate Homeless Project, the High Street Task Force, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Destination Harrogate and Harrogate at Christmas, to name a few.
Andrea, who has taken on a new role in Middlesborough, said: “I’ve spent more than half of my Primark career in Harrogate - and I can safely say I’ve loved every minute!
“I’ve always been passionate about working to continue to improve the town centre for businesses, residents and visitors, so it made perfect sense for me to become a part of the BID when it formed in 2019.
“From director to vice-chair, to becoming BID chair in 2024, I’ve seen the BID go from strength to strength and I’m positive the team will continue to do so.
“I’ve made so many friends in Harrogate over the years and had so many memories which will no doubt stick with me for a lifetime.
“It’s definitely going to feel strange moving away from my 'second home' - but I’m looking forward to a new challenge!”
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, has worked alongside Andrea since taking on the role over three years ago.
He said: “Andrea has been the glue holding everyone together in Harrogate for many years now. She’s very well respected, passionate, determined and resilient and always gives up her time for the good of our town.
“Andrea has been a vital cog in the Harrogate BID machine since the idea first came to light seven years ago – and was key in its formation in 2019. She never misses a meeting and always dedicated her time to any additional tasks.
“Over the years, Andrea has acted as vital support for not only myself, but the BID team and Board as a whole. She has been an integral part of the work we do, an ambassador for Harrogate as a whole and a fantastic friend to us all.
“On behalf of everyone at the BID, I’d like to give Andrea my thanks for all of her terrific work to help support and improve our town. We wish her the absolute best in her new role!”
Any BID Member businesses keen to join the BID Board of Directors should email info@harrogatebid.co.uk for more information.
Harrogate BID is a not-for-profit organisation, funded for by businesses in a dedicated area, with an aim to improve the area in which those businesses trade within.
The BID was launched in 2019 and received a successful ballot which saw its second term begin in January 2024 for a further five years.
Visit the website at: www.harrogatebid.co.uk for more information.
