A new night-time Economy Co-ordinator role has been created aiming to make Bournemouth town centre a safer place to be in the evenings.
Victoria Sheppard is taking up the role and brings with her 15 years of experience working for Bournemouth Town Centre’s Town Watch.
The part-time position previously existed under BCP Council but was axed during a reshuffle last year.
It is being jointly funded by Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District and Bournemouth Town Centre’s Town Watch, a sector representation and trade body which supports and helps to improve management of the night-time economy.
Victoria will see her liaising with nightlife businesses such as bars, pubs, nightclubs and late opening restaurants and food outlets, supporting collaboration with key stakeholders such as Dorset Police and BCP Council, helping to identify and tackle any issues and seize opportunities, and providing strategic oversight.
Alan Dove, Chair of Bournemouth Town Watch, said: “I know Victoria well, having worked alongside her for many years in the Town Watch, so I know she is going to do a fantastic and impactful job.
“We’ve been missing that lynchpin person, so we are incredibly pleased to be working with the Town Centre BID to fund this role.”
Paul Kinvig Chief Operating Officer of The Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “We want to see a thriving town centre for Bournemouth, and a vibrant and secure night-time economy is key to that mission.
“We are thrilled to have been able to appoint Victoria into this role. She is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, having dedicated her career to Bournemouth’s night-time economy, as well as dynamic and driven – a huge asset to the team.”
Victoria Sheppard added: “Bournemouth’s night-time sector is a vital engine for the local economy and a big draw to the area, so I am incredibly excited to take on this role and support its ongoing success.
“My focus will be on bringing people together, driving action and collaboration and enhancing the national reputation of Bournemouth’s night-time economy too, so locals and visitors alike can enjoy all that is on offer in Bournemouth in the evening and into the early hours.”