ABOUT SUE RAWLE - BIDS Project Co-ordinator

Coming from a long line of Barumites, I am passionate about Barnstaple and its future. As some of you may know, I run my own PR company, working with clients whose businesses are based in North Devon. Before this, I ran a general store in the Australian outback for thirteen years then on my return, worked as a freelance business writer for the North Devon Journal. This gave me the opportunity to meet many business owners and gain an insight and understanding of their aspirations, not only for their own businesses, but also for the town as a whole.

In addition to my work I am also an active member of the Federation of Small Businesses and Vice Chair of our local North Devon branch. I have represented North Devon at a Regional level as well as holding the post for Devon Regional representative on the South West Area Policy Unit. I am proud to say that I was also nominated as Vice Chair of BTCM consortium this year, a post that gives me great pleasure as it involves having an input into my town.

When Andrew Conibear left the post of BID Coordinator to take up a post with the South West Olympics Committee, I was delighted to be asked by Craig Bulley, Town Centre Manager, to breach the gap and take on Andrew’s role for the remaining time left before we go to Ballot in February 2010. Barnstaple Town Centre Management & BID Barnstaple were already my clients, so I have been on board with BID’s from day one, attending the majority of street meetings, helping to write the draft business plan, and writing the press releases to let the people of Barnstaple know what a BID could deliver for our town.

I firmly believe that if we are to sustain and develop Barnstaple as a vibrant centre, then we must take control and invest in our future.

Sue Rawle