Solihull BID Chief Executive joins ATCM Board of Directors

Ms Palmer leads Solihull BID, the Business Improvement District for the town centre, and also represents the town and wider region on a national level.

As well as her new role with the ATCM, Ms Palmer has also played a part with the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street’s Business Advisory Board and created BID Central, a forum for Business Improvement District leaders from across the region to exchange ideas and discuss best practice.

ATCM is Europe’s largest membership organisation dedicated to helping town and city centres realise their natural roles both as prosperous locations for business and investment, and as focal points for vibrant, inclusive communities.

Ojay McDonald, CEO of the Association of Town and City Management said: “Melanie is an excellent addition to our Board of Directors. She has supported us for years, helped us shape our advocacy work on important policy issues around tax reform and local growth, has worked proactively to bring together BIDs across the Midlands, and engaged with Andy Street on the West Midlands Business Advisory Board.

“In terms of supporting our members in the Midlands and representing them on national policy, she will play a vital role in ATCM going forward.”

Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, added: “I am thrilled to take up this role alongside my position of CEO at Solihull BID. The ATCM provides critical support to BIDs and Town Centre organisations across Europe.

“The network of knowledge it platforms enables members to see the bigger picture, absorb innovative ideas and generally work in partnership with each other with the aim of keeping our High Streets and Town Centres alive. I am extremely proud to play a small part in this.”