After nearly six years at the helm of Southend BID, Dawn Jeakings has
announced that she is stepping down from her role as Chair. The role will be
continued by Dennis Baldry, Centre Manager of the Victoria Shopping Centre.
“From day one, Dawn has brought her remarkable passion, tireless work and drive to promote and bring together Southend BID and her support for all things
Southend,” says Mr Baldry.
“Since she announced her decision, there has been a plan in place to ensure a
smooth handover between Chairs,” explains Dennis. “As part of that strategy,
I’ve been working closely with Dawn since the new term of Southend BID
started and following this, I am fully prepped to take over. This is a really
important role within the local business community and town itself, so I’m really
keen to get on with the job. Of course, in the interim, it is business as usual.”
Dawn has a proven track record of serving the town centre. Prior to assuming
the role of Southend BID Chair, she was Chair of the Southend-on-Sea
Borough Council Town Centre Partnership.
John Dillon, Store Manager at Debenhams Southend and a newly-appointed
Southend BID Director says: “Dawn is now handing over the mantle to Dennis,
who has been a Director since the inception of Southend BID, and is perfectly
placed to take over the role. Dawn will still be a Director and heavily involved in
the success of the town centre. Furthermore, Dawn will continue to play a role
leading on numerous initiatives, such as changing negative perceptions of
Southend’s High Street and town centre areas and will continue to be a driving
force for positive change.”
“Dawn has done a superb job. She’s seen Southend BID brought into existence
at the very first ballot among the potential members and secured its second
term in 2017 with a decisive vote in favour an increased turnout of 54%. It’s
important to remember that it was always her intention to Chair the first term of
Southend BID and then pass on the reins after the second ballot,” explains
John. “Dawn has not only played a vital role in establishing Southend BID but
also created a stable platform from which it can continue to grow and develop.”
Alison Dewey, Southend BID Manager paid tribute to Dawn’s energy,
commitment and focus during her time as Chair: “I’ve known and worked with
Dawn for almost nine years now and have been consistently struck by her
passion to improve the town centre. It’s important to bear in mind that the
responsibilities of her former role as Town Centre Partnership Chair and
chairing Southend BID have been voluntary."
“On a personal basis, Dawn has been incredibly supportive. My highlights of
working with her have been securing two terms of Southend BID, which has
brought thousands of pounds of additional investment into the town centre. I’d
also say bringing events such as the first 4D Light Show to Southend, as well
as enabling Southend’s hugely popular firework programme to continue for at
least another decade.”
She added: “My team and I are very much looking forward to working with
Dennis, who I think will be very proactive and bring new leadership qualities to
the role, which in turn will help us to deliver our plans for the four and a half
years of the current Southend BID term.”
Reflecting on her role, Dawn said: I've worked in the town for over 30 years and remain extremely passionate about Southend's success. Three decades ago I don’t think anyone quite foresaw the creation of business-lead organisations
like Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across the UK, but I do think they
are a dynamic and innovative force for good in town centres, so am especially
proud of my role in seeing the creation of Southend BID and having the honour
of chairing it through its formative years and, of course, guiding it through two
successful ballots, both in extremely challenging times. I will remain a Director
of Southend BID and look forward to supporting Dennis as Chair and continue
the organisation’s great work.”
Dawn finishes in the role today (Wednesday 31st October) and Dennis will become the new Chair from tomorrow (Thursday 1st November).