DURHAM Business Improvement District (Durham BID) has today announced the appointment of a new manager as non-essential retail begins to reopen. Paul Howard has joined the organisation responsible for marketing Durham to visitors, helping to improve patronage and boost the local economy, as many businesses emerge from months of lockdowns and trading restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. With over 20 years’ experience in town centre and BID management, Mr Howard will initially spend some time getting to know the businesses and city, before formulating his plans to drive the direction of the BID and city centre with input and support from partners.
BUSINESSES leaders have welcomed the second step out of lockdown saying they are looking forward to town and city centres across the region thronging with life again. From Monday non-essential shops, hairdressers, gyms, nail salons, libraries, and outdoor attractions such as theme parks will be allowed to reopen, along with outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants - with the rule of six or a larger group from two households Durham Markets Company managing director Colin Wilkes said: “Our traders all all looking forward to coming back. It’s been a long haul over winter. “We are bit of a family in the market so it will be nice to get together again on a daily basis. It is something that everybody has missed.