Coventry Best 4 Business

The chair of the Coventry BID has described the first meeting of its new-look board as “constructive”.

Brian Hecks, who runs automotive paint business Hex Holdings in the city, was elected as chairman of Coventry Best for Business – the company which delivers the city-wide Business Improvement District scheme. The current chairman, Frank Mills chose to stand down.

He is one of 11 new directors of the original scheme which was designed to bring a range of services to city businesses who pay a levy in return.

Mr Hecks said: “The people elected to the board stood because they want to reform the BID and Coventry Best 4 Business.

“That is not something we can do until we have all the information and understand all the legalities that surround the BID and BID legislation.

“A number of the new directors had not met some of the partners and management of the BID prior to the meeting.

“A lot was explained but we will not be in a position to make any long term decisions on the future of the BID Company until we fully understand the legal position.

“We have another meeting planned for later this month and only then will we be able to start to formulate our plans.

“It was a positive and constructive meeting that is allowing us to move forward.”

Stephen Welch, chief executive of Coventry Best for Business, said: “The first meeting was really for people to get to meet each other and to start to understand the operation and the legal status of the BID.

“That is not a quick process and we will be giving directors all the information and help they need to decide future policy.

“We are here to carry out the wishes of the board and it is our job to put into practice what they decide.”