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Business News

Business Newsletter

The Regeneration Team produce a regular newsletter including updates on a variety of items including the latest activity, recent news, funding opportunities, networking events, important changes and other relevant communications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You have a question? We have an answer.

  • Where can I find grant funding for my business?

    Whether you are looking to launch a start-up, expand your current business or make your operations more resource efficient, you will most likely require some financial support.

    Information about direct financial support offered by us is available on our business funding and support page.

    You can also find out about other funding opportunities, as well as other types of support, by visiting the Worcestershire Growth Hub website, by calling 01905 677 888 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Can I access my Business Rates account?

    Our Open Portal gives you instant online access to manage and view your Business Rates account.

    Sign into your Open Portal account

    Using Open Portal can save you time, effort and money. There is no need for you to visit us, ring us or write to us - you can view and manage your account or claim online at a time that suits you.

    Find out more information about Open Portal

  • How is my Business Rates bill calculated?

    Once the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has set your Rateable Value, we then multiply it by either:

    The standard non-domestic rating multiplier which is 51.2p. This applies to properties with a Rateable Value of more than £51,000.

    OR

    The small business multiplier which is 49.9p. This applies to all occupied properties not entitled to a mandatory rate relief and with a Rateable Value of less than £51,000.

    We then apply any discounts – known as rate reliefs – you may be entitled to, and this gives you your final bill.

    For example, if a property has a Rateable Value of £100,000, it won’t qualify for small business rate relief, so we would use the standard non-domestic multiplier which is 51.2p.

    We multiply £100,000 by 51.2p to give us £51,200. The property doesn’t quality for any discounts so the total amount due for 2023/24 would be £51,200.

    The Rateable Value, the multiplier being used and any discounts applied are all shown on your bill.

  • What is a Rateable Value?

    The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for giving each business property in England a Rateable Value.

    The Rateable Value for your property is an estimate of what it would cost to rent your business premises for a year on a valuation date set by law. Currently all Rateable Values are calculated as if the property was being rented on 1 April 2021.

    We use your Rateable Value to work out how much you need to pay in Business Rates.

  • What do I do if I think the Rateable Value for my business is wrong?

    If the details of your property have changed or you believe your Rateable Value is too high, then you should tell the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

    You can do this yourself or you can appoint an agent to do it for you.

    A step-by-step guide to challenging your Business Rates valuation can be found on the Government’s website.

    Please do not contact us about issues with your Rateable Value as we are unfortunately unable to help.

Read more …Business

Evesham Ambassador Programme

In this section you will find the following information:

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Thank you for your interest in the Evesham Ambassador Programme.

We know Evesham is a place where people roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Growing things is what we are famous for whether that’s growing Vale of Evesham Asparagus, growing events that attract 30,000 visitors to learn about the history of our area or growing multi-million-pound businesses on our technology park.

Evesham Needs You!

  • Do what you can to champion the town
  • Act as an ambassador by using words and images that promote Evesham positively
  • Sign up to the ambassador programme mailing list so we can keep in touch
  • Like and follow the Evesham Place Board on Facebook
  • Share positive news stories about Evesham using the hashtag #LoveEvesham
  • Help to shape a place brand for Evesham so people recognise our town

Evesham Place Board in partnership with Wychavon District Council launched the Evesham Ambassador programme at a breakfast meeting on the 24th May 2024 at Evesham Football Club. The event was an opportunity to hear more about the projects the place board have been working on, discuss the many positives of the town and reflected on its challenges. We were joined by some fantastic speakers on our inward investment discussion panel.

Programme for the morning

Opening Speech
Shawn Riley, Head of Economic Development at Wychavon District Council

Introduction to the Place Board and Town Centre Prospectus
Tom Tarver, Chair of Evesham Place Board

Investment Discussion Panel
Lorna Robinson - Visitor Economy and Destination Manager at Visit Worcestershire
Matt Charnock - Senior Land Director at Bloor Homes
Alan Walsh - Chairman Walsh Mushrooms
Jon Fraser – Worcestershire Highways
Ian Edwards – Director of Economy and Environment Wychavon District Council

Short Film
Jon Till, Thinking Place

Closing Remarks
Tom Tarver

We want to continue to attract investment to the Vale of Evesham so the area can keep growing. This is why we commissioned Evesham Town Centre Prospectus to create a vision to work towards. It looks at the positioning of Evesham within Worcestershire and the West Midlands from a commercial perspective, suggests key sites for development and looks at the layout of the town to see how it could better support active travel. It showcases the key strengths and unique selling points of the town that can be built upon to encourage people to want to visit, live and work in Evesham.

Evesham Ambassador programme will connect together all of the people that want the Vale of Evesham to thrive. We need those people that are willing to make a commitment to use their existing platform to promote all of the positives of the area and inspire others to be a part of overcoming the challenges we all face.

Sign up to the Evesham Ambassador mailing list.

Read more …Evesham Ambassador Programme

Evesham Place Board

Evesham Place Board logo

In this section

Evesham Place Board

Evesham Place Board has been created with the support of Wychavon District Council to deliver the vision and strategic objectives of the Evesham Town Centre Investment Prospectus. It brings together businesses, civic and community groups, event organisers and local Town and District Council representatives - people with a passion for their place and who care about the future of the town.

The Board is independent of Wychavon but is accountable to the Council’s Executive Board. It operates autonomously and on an impartial and non-political basis, guiding and assisting the District Council and other bodies to support the improvement and economic growth of Evesham.

All Board members are volunteers and as well as working with local stakeholders and the wider business community to deliver projects to benefit the town and its appeal to visitors and investors, the Place Board also acts

What has the Place Board been working on ? 

Since the Evesham Place Board was established in July 2022 and with thanks to funding support from Wychavon, it has enabled delivery of the following activities and initiatives:

  1. Project management of a Business Front Improvement Grant Scheme successfully supporting the enhancement of 18 business frontages/premises (including the arcades) to encourage increased footfall into the town centre, river and heritage quarter
  2. Design and publication of the Evesham Town Centre Business Guide offering regulatory advice, place branding information and sources of support and guidance for incoming and existing business investors to promote greater respect for the town’s Conservation Area and improved standards in terms of business frontages, signage and advertising
  3. Development of a dedicated ‘place’ brand for Evesham, including logos and publication style/format guidelines, complemented by a grant to Evesham Town Council to support the engagement of a part time Communications Specialist to re-develop and manage the Visit Evesham website and social media profile
  4. Establishment of the Evesham Occupancy Strategy Group bringing together Place Board members, local commercial property agents and Wychavon District Council economic development officers in a coordinated effort to improve occupancy levels and enhance the retail mix in Evesham
  5. Hosting of the inaugural Visit Evesham Tourism event bringing together 45 local tourism and hospitality businesses, at Wood Norton, to discuss the strategic direction of Evesham’s tourism offer and raise awareness of local business support mechanisms available to help drive innovation and growth in the sector
  6. Purchase of a mobile, battery-operated vacuum back-pack to increase and accelerate local litter collection and in demonstrating the value of Place Boards in bridging businesses and Council services, secured commitment from three local businesses to support a 12-month corporate volunteer programme aimed at delivering over 100 litter-picking sessions in the town centre, on a rota twice weekly
  7. Regular and consistent promotion of the town within local ‘What’s On’ guides and wider Vale publications, plus an enhanced social media profile, including LinkedIn and Facebook, engaging younger audiences, plus a dedicated Place Board website to provide a centralised platform for sharing updates and engaging with businesses and key stakeholders. Particular promotional highlights include the hosting of a delegation from the UK Polish Embassy to celebrate the growing contribution of Polish-owned businesses to the local Evesham’s economy, the awarding of ‘Highly Commended’ in the prestigious National Sceptre Retail Awards for the Christmas 2024 Nutcracker Trail, BBC coverage of the Christmas 2025 brick penguin trail and recent social media metrics indicating an expanded collective total reach of over 170,000 engagements/ views
  8. Ongoing support for local events in the Abbey Park, Town Council initiatives (eg.Christmas lights), Love Evesham awards and the regular decoration of the town with ‘flags’ and artwork associated with the Battle of Evesham, Blossom and asparagus seasons, plus significant community events such as the recent King’s coronation
  9. Collaboration with Evesham Town Council to refurbish the noticeboards around the town, including new locks, to bring them back into regular use, plus the purchase of 20 new metal benches, 5 of which as ‘time to chat’ benches to help reduce loneliness and isolation
  10. Funding and co-ordination input to enable a range of local improvement works including repair of the gate pillars at All Saints Churchyard, redesign and replanting of the two garden entrances at Evesham Library; graffiti removal; footpath resurfacing works in Abbey Park to improve accessibility and enable solar lighting to be installed and the installation of pigeon control measures on the Bell Tower; commissioning of a feasibility study for a battlefield centre on Green Hill; development of a River Avon action plan, plus the purchase of two additional dragon pedalo boats and support for the Avon Navigation Trust to improve promotional activities/volunteer expenses to support them with piloting increased river trips and the framing and installation of a mural produced by Garage Arts for Evesham Abbey Trust depicting the history of the Abbey for display in the Park
  11. Help in establishing a business-led Crime Reduction Partnership in the town, including funding for the initial set up costs and 12-month licence fee for the crime reporting and anti-social behaviour monitoring ‘DISC’ app
  12. Collaboration with The Valley Evesham to develop the ‘award winning’ Christmas Nutcracker Trail, supporting town centre visits over the Christmas 2024 period, complemented further by the extremely well received brick penguin trail over Christmas 2025, resulting in significant town centre footfall increases and extended stays from visitors well beyond the local area

What’s planned for the future ?

The Board will be continuing to focus on project work that contributes towards the two Key Change Zones identified in the Evesham Town Centre Prospectus, as a priority – these are ‘Creating a people friendly high street’ and ‘Making the most of the riverside setting’.

Therefore, the Board will be actively working to:

  1. Continue to support town centre property owners to improve the appearance of their properties and secure good quality investors and tenants through a modest extension of the Business Front Improvement Grant scheme
  2. Improve the profile and online presence of Evesham and the Vale to attract more staying visitors, including working closely with Visit Worcestershire to offer a programme of small grants for local hospitality businesses developing new and enhanced ‘immersive’ visitor experiences, in the Evesham area
  3. Host a major summer food festival in the town, showcasing the range of food producers in the wider Vale and working closely with local schools to promote healthy eating
  4. Respond to the recommendations arising from the Wychavon District Council commissioned Town Centre Accessibility and Wayfinding Audits, to install an updated visitor map and improve signage and interpretation in the town, plus additional bike storage
  5. Drive forward the Evesham Occupancy Strategy Group’s ‘One Space at a Time’ campaign, working proactively with local property agents to address challenges around retail occupancy and the quality of the town centre offer, including further facilitation of discussions with potential co-working space operators to explore solutions to the lack of flexible workspace in Evesham
  6. Develop a business support initiative for European entrepreneurs to be offered by the Worcestershire Growth Hub in association with the University of Worcester, including the provision of town centre-based business advice drop-in sessions, building on the success of the recent Polish Embassy visit to Evesham
  7. Collaborate with The Valley Evesham to consider opportunities to improve the riverside footpath/bridleway link to and from the town centre
  8. Consider the implementation of a programme of street artwork to enhance key spaces and prominent buildings in the town
  9. Enhance Evesham Market
  10. Explore opportunities to illuminate key historic buildings and features in the town, building on previous feasibility work
  11. Support the refurbishment and forward development plan for the Evesham Rowing and Racquets Club

Who's on the Place Board?

  • Phil Maclean

    Place Board Chair
    Phil Maclean – Marketing Director at Eagle One Ltd encompassing The Valley, Evesham

    After spending almost nine years in Evesham, I've developed an affection for both the town and its residents. I'm delighted that I have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and am motivated to see the town grow. My background includes experience in destination marketing and tourism across a number of high footfall retail outlets.

  • Charlotte Hampson

    Vice Chair
    Charlotte Hampson - Director of Architects Dyer

    I am a local resident and owner of an architectural practice based in Evesham Town Centre. I have a keen interest in placemaking and can see the potential in Evesham Town Centre and the surrounding areas where we have so much to offer. My work has provided me with experience of regeneration and improving urban environments and I am hopeful that this can be used to enable Evesham to prosper and become an even better place to live and work.

  • Tom Tarver

    Tom Tarver – Director at Johnsons Property Consultants

    Having grown up locally and built a business in the town over many years, I am firmly rooted in The Vale and keen to see Evesham reach its true potential. The recent Investment Prospectus’ shares an exciting vision for our town’s future, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to influence its continued success, as a member and Chair of the Evesham Place Board.

  • Jack Hegarty

    Jack Hegarty – Chair of Avon Navigation Trust

    The Avon Navigation Trust is delighted to be represented on the Place Board to highlight and promote the opportunities presented by the River Avon. The riverfront and surrounding area are part of the town’s unique character.

  • Mick Hurst

    Mick Hurst – Founder and Director of the Battle of Evesham suite of events

    I have owned and managed an Evesham-based, award-winning, digital and design business for over 23 years. I will bring to the board these skills combined with in depth knowledge of the town’s history and heritage. This will bring more footfall into the town and over time develop a robust tourism economy. I’m also the Founder and Director of the Battle of Evesham suite of events, which continues to bring many thousands of visitors to the Evesham area.

  • Ashleigh Jayes

    Ashleigh Jayes – Manager of the Almonry Museum and Evesham Tourist Information Centre

    Evesham is a wonderful place to live and work.  We’re so lucky to have so much green space, a rich history and a passionate community. I see the place board as an integral part of our town’s future. By supporting local initiatives, working with business, organisations, local authorities and communities we can make Evesham an even better place to live, work and visit.

  • Gill Pawson

    Gill Pawson – Chair of Vale of Evesham Civic Society

    The Vale of Evesham Civic Society was invited to send a representative to the place board; as Chair I am very pleased to be able to attend meetings and to contribute to the work of the board. VECS was invited as a stakeholder given its work over recent years to try to improve the town centre Conservation Area; this work fits well with the aims of the Evesham Town Centre Prospectus, which the board is charged with helping to deliver.

  • Robin Walker

    Robin Walker – Chair of Active Evesham

    I was heavily involved in the development of the Evesham Town Plan, leading the Transport and Environment group. I was then co-opted onto the Wychavon Town Centres Advisory Panel, who commissioned the development of the Investment Prospectuses for Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich. By representing the 'Active Evesham' group on the Evesham Place Board, I will champion the strategic objective to get ‘Evesham recognised as a town that welcomes walkers and cyclists’. Providing an attractive and safe environment to enable active travel to become the first choice for everyday journeys in and around town.

  • Julie Tucker

    Julie Tucker – Cllr Wychavon District and Evesham Town Council and Chair of the Evesham Town Plan Committee

    I am an Evesham Town and District Councillor, and a member of Evesham Walkers are Welcome. I have lived in Evesham all my life. I sit on the Evesham Place Board because I am Chair of Evesham Town Council's Town Plan Committee. I have been a member of that committee since 2017.

  • Robert Raphael

    Robert Raphael – Cllr Wychavon District and Evesham Town Councils and Proprietor Hampton Ferry, Evesham.

    Evesham is a great place to live, work and visit.  We are so fortunate to have so much within our town and to have access to so much more in the near location. Evesham needs to be a vibrant, exciting and welcoming community for its residents and visitors alike. As a councillor, and resident of Evesham, I want Evesham to thrive and prosper. As a tourism-based business owner, I know how much we have to offer.

Where can I find out more information?

Please see attached pdf Terms of Reference (114 KB) for the Evesham Place Board. You can find a meeting summary for each of our meetings here and we’ll update the website with new projects when they are completed.

Upcoming meeting dates:

10 September 2026, 10.30am

15 October 2026, 10.30am

26 November 2026, 10.30am

How do I get in touch with the Evesham Place Board?

In the first instance please contact Claire Edwards, Place Project Officer for Evesham This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07855 209537.

Read more …Evesham Place Board

Droitwich Spa Place Board

In this section

Droitwich Place Board logo

Droitwich Spa Place Board has been created to help deliver the vision and strategic objectives of Droitwich Spa 's Investment Prospectus.

The board is independent of Wychavon but is accountable to our Executive Board.

It operates on an impartial and non-political basis to research, consider and make recommendations to Wychavon and other bodies, as appropriate, in order to further improve Droitwich Spa.

The Place Board is made up of people with a passion for their place from the business and community sectors. All members are volunteers and have been chosen because of their knowledge and professional backgrounds.

What has the Place Board delivered?

Since Droitwich Spa Place Board was established in July 2022, it has: 

  • Supported The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival with Rik Mayall’s Comedy Emporium artwork and subsequent children’s trail dubbed ‘The Mayall Trail’, which paved the way for a line of festival merchandise and pop-up shop, working with Wychavon, the festival organisers, and Milan Illustrator. As well as arranging a high street event in support of festival.
  • Delivered and consulted on three street art installations alongside Wychavon, including: ‘Vivid Memories’ opposite the train station, ‘Tides of Time’ on 8 High Street and ‘For the love of Droitwich Spa’ on 19 High St.
  • Led the consultation for and supported the opening of Droitwich Banking Hub in collaboration with Droitwich Spa Town Council.
  • Spearheaded ‘The Health Corridor’ project in collaboration with Wychavon, which resulted in canal towpath, wayfinding and biodiversity improvements, a sculpted entrance feature at Coney Meadow and decorative bird viewing panel. 
  • Installed festoon lights and a floral aerial display above high street and later extended these from the High Street through to Tower Hill. 
  • Recommended installing solar lighting in Vines Park & Lido Park which was supported by Wychavon. 
  • Installed decorative tourism-centred lamppost banners. 
  • Supported clean-up of Tower Hill building ready for Heritage Centre-led tours (coming 2026). 
  • Organised seven Bike Night events in the High Street (with more planned).
  • Hosted a Christmas themed event in High Street in 2025 working with Droitwich Friends and Businesses CIC.
  • Delivered ‘Santa’s Post Box’ initiative in collaboration with local businesses, whereby a post box was situated in the High Street for children to post their letters to Santa. Nicol & Co supported with responses and Wychavon supported by funding the associated window art. 
  • Installed ‘Droitwich Spa in Days Gone By’ temporary historical photo window wrap, working with Droitwich Heritage Centre.
  • Launched Business Front Improvement Grant with Wychavon providing funding to seven town centre businesses. 
  • Developed Lido project including providing feedback on proposals and supported with community consultation drop-in. 
  • Supported Wychavon’s ‘Droitwich in Bloom Trail’ in 2024 with window dressing competition. 
  • Consulted on the car park extension at Leisure Centre. 
  • Began the Park Run process.

What’s planned for the future?

    • Delivering improvements to the tourism fingerpost signage following Wychavon’s Access and Signage Audit. 
    • Improving heritage interpretation boards in collaboration with Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre. 
    • Landscaping improvements in Gurney’s Lane.  
    • Park Run anticipated to begin, subject to availability of funding for path improvements in Lido Park. 

    Who’s on the Place Board? 

    • Gemma Ranford

      Gemma Ranford

      Gemma is the council’s Place Projects Officer for Droitwich Spa. Her job is to support the place board by delivering creative place-making initiatives, physical regeneration projects, tourism campaigns, and business support. She has a background in digital marketing and project management.

    • Richard Morris

      Richard Morris

      Richard spent 26 years in the private sector covering various senior marketing positions, and 15 years in higher education as head of A levels and as a lecturer in business and research.

      Richard has extensive experience in the public sector having been a Town Councillor since 1999 and District and County Councillor. He is currently the Leader of Wychavon District Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Environment. His previous roles have included: Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Chairman of Wychavon, Deputy Leader, and Executive Portfolio Holder for Communities, Housing and Economy.

    • Mark Keld

      Mark Keld

      Mark is the Town Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer for Droitwich Spa Town Council. He has spent five years in role and 12 years in Local Government. Prior to that, 26 years continuous career tenure with a major bank in the retail financial sector- covering all branch, area and regional network management roles and responsibilities.

    Where can I find more information?

    Please read our pdf Terms of Reference (116 KB) for information on Droitwich Spa Place Board’s structure. You can find a meeting summary for each of our meetings below and we’ll update this web page with new projects when they are completed.

    Upcoming meeting dates:

    To be confirmed

    Read more …Droitwich Spa Place Board

    Pershore Place Board

    In this section

    Pershore Place Board logo

    The Pershore Place Board is a direct result of the successful launch of the Pershore Town Centre Investment Prospectus. While operating autonomously, the board is accountable to the executive board of Wychavon District Council and tasked to assist, advise, and inform the district council and others in facilitating the betterment of Pershore.

    The purpose of the Board is to facilitate delivery of the vision and strategic objectives of the Investment Prospectus, through the leadership of the strategic development and enhancement of Pershore, ensuring the appropriate type, scale, and diversity over the longer-term with careful regard to the uniqueness and character of the town. Including the creation and oversight of a Pershore Ambassadors programme, designed to ensure collaboration, cohesion, and unification of focussed project deliverables supported by new future public and private investment.

    The Pershore Place Board consists of Pershore based volunteers, across a wide selection of professional backgrounds, who have been specifically selected to ensure a comprehensive approach to the delivery of economic, cultural, and social development in Pershore.

    They operate on an impartial and non-political basis to research, consider and make recommendations to Wychavon District Council and other bodies, as appropriate, in order to achieve the Board’s purpose.

    The Pershore Place Board meets monthly at different locations throughout the town with a guest speaker typically every other month and regular visitors to observe the meeting too.

    Pershore High Street

    What have the place board been working on?

     Since the Pershore Place Board was established in July 2022 they have helped complete the following projects: 

    • Broad street tree lighting (for key events in the annual calendar)
    • Union flag fabric bunting for across the High Street
    • Additional Christmas lights to extend the coverage in the town centre
    • ‘Promoting Pershore Project’ with Pershore Town Council (opening tourism office on a Saturday, Visit Pershore social media, part-time new member of staff for a year, new display equipment in town hall)
    • Small contribution to improving a small public park/garden in the town.
    • Pershore Georgian Christmas Fayre (annual event)
    • Public Realm enhancements including 60 building-mounted Christmas trees mounted in the flag brackets over the festive period, Pershore town centre flags project & permanent LED High Street festoon lighting from Broad Street to the New Inn.
    • Protocol for the temporary closure of Broad Street for events
    • Establishment of Pershore Events and Festivals Association to support all major events with gazebos, barriers, technology and knowledge
    • Pershore’s monthly local produce & traders’ market in Broad Street – first Saturdays
    • Transformation of St Andrew’s closed Churchyard into a sensory garden with potential for wellbeing programmes to be run in conjunction with Pershore Town Council, Abbotswood Medical Centre, the “Love Pershore” project and Pershore College
    • Redecoration of High Street Bollards
    • Pershore Football Club Carpets
    • “Enhanced places to sit and enjoy the town” – new benches installed, old benches repaired & restored
    • Re-paving Number 8’s courtyard to eliminate future flooding
    • Improving Church Walk for parking, pedestrian and visual appeal

    What’s planned for the future?

    • New town centre entrance signage, branding and planting
    • Ongoing enhancements to Broad Street re-establishing it as a meeting place and as Pershore’s de facto Town Square
    • Pershore Marina (major project) feasibility study to examine the potential for private or public/private partnership ownership
    • “Vision 2040” A public engagement programme aimed at delivering a town fit for the future.
    • Reviewing and implementing Town Centre accessibility recommendations received
    • Extending the “Enhanced places to sit and enjoy the town” programme
    • Installation of St Andrews Sensory Garden Interpretation Boards
    • Promoting Circular Walks
    • “Pershore Remembered”  –  interpreting and celebrating Pershore’s Rich Cultural Heritage

    Where can I find out more information?

    Please see attached pdf Terms of Reference (115 KB) for the Pershore Place Board. You can find a meeting summary for each of our meetings here and we’ll update the website with new projects when they are completed.

    Upcoming meeting dates:

    19 August 2026, 4pm

    23 September 2026, 4pm

    21 October 2026, 4.pm

    18 November 2026, 4.pm

    Who’s on the Place Board?

    Place Board Members
    • Michael Hodge

      Michael Hodges The Chair

      Having grown up in Pershore and the surrounding villages, Michael’s looking forward to help shape and deliver the next stage of Pershore’s growth as a member of the Pershore Place Board by identifying opportunities and attracting investment for the benefit of the community as a whole.

      Married to Karen, they have 5 daughters. Michael is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. As a Chartered Surveyor he spent 23 years with international real estate advisers in a variety of transactional and senior management roles both in the UK and abroad. Since leaving corporate life, Michael has bought, restored and sold a number of listed buildings in the Cotswolds, Bath and the West Country on his own account. He has been National Treasurer of the Gideons International in the British Isles and remains an active member of Good News for Everyone (formerly Gideons International). Currently, Michael is Chairman of the Friends of Pershore Abbey, Chairman of the Pershore Civic Society, a member of the Avonreach Academy Trust, a member of the Pershore Abbey Choir and a Trustee of Number 8 Ltd. Also a member of the Little Ship Club & Treasurer and Deputy Chairman of the Avon Navigation Trust (ANT).

    • Darren Eden

      Darren Eden

      Darren trained as an ambulance paramedic and practiced locally, in Pershore. Subsequently he attained a higher law degree and worked as head of governance for the ambulance service and then as policy manager for an NHS regulator. Having moved to the private sector Darren is an entrepreneur and leads a Pershore based investment company which is one of Wychavon’s largest private sector employers.

      Always keen to use his skills and experience to help the economic enhancement of Pershore, Darren likes to prioritise the creation of opportunities for local people to develop and prosper.

    • Alan Clark

      Alan Clark

      Alan started his professional life as a pharmacist, experiencing many different management and leadership positions - he now practices as a professional coach specialising in leadership, business and organisational development.

      Alan has lived in Pershore since 2014 with his wife Pamela and two children, Michael and Olivia.

      Since 2018 he has been involved in the running and organising of the Pershore Plum Festival and is a huge fan and advocate of Pershore as a place to live and to work.

      Alan is looking forward to supporting Pershore in its development and growth journey during the years ahead.

    • Jilly Oxlade-Arnott

      Jilly Oxlade-Arnott

      Jilly Oxlade-Arnott is a Professional Artist, specialising in Architecture, working in watercolour and ink. With her husband Chris, they run The Gallery located on Pershore High Street representing guest artists from around of Worcestershire as well as her own work.  Her commercial background is in Marketing having worked in London and Birmingham across all fields including advertising, event management, design and PR. Passionate about where she lives and works, her aim is to promote the town as a desirable tourist destination, building upon its already enviable position within the county

    • Sam Tarran

      Sam Tarran

      Sam Tarran is the Board Lead on Public Transport and Roads. He has lived in Pershore much of his life. He is currently a project manager specialising in Intelligent Transport Systems for a global engineering consultancy. 

    • Richard Tisdall

      Richard Tisdall

      Returning to the area in 1988, Richard and his wife Alison have brought up three children and subsequent grandchildren in Pershore and the villages. Alison’s family have strong farming ties across Worcestershire. Richard has contributed to the community as a school governor and parish councillor. Both Richard and Alison have been extensively involved in the development and running of Pershore Community Cupboard at Pershore Baptist Church and contribute to Lenchwood Christian Centre where Richard is a Trustee.

      Richard gained a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural and Environmental Science and Master’s in Landscape Design (MPhil) from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and the Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Liverpool. He is a Chartered member of the Landscape Institute and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Whilst now semi-retired, his professional experience has spanned local government, private practice, and residential development. Richard was a co-author of the Landscape Institutes position statement “Public Health and Landscape: Creating Healthy Places” and the creator of the Green Space Health Assessment used by councils across the country. Helping to create healthy sustainable communities remains central to his life and work.

    • Dan Boatright-Greene

      Dan Boatright-Greene

      County Councillor for Pershore, District Councillor for Pershore and a Pershore Town Councillor. 

    • Julie Hemming

      Julie Hemming

      A lifelong Pershore resident with a former diverse and dedicated career spanning computer programming, financial services and as a Teaching Assistant, Julie has served as an Independent Town Councillor since 2017. She is currently Deputy Mayor for the 2024/25 term. Julie is an active volunteer for Pershore Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) and for several local charities. Julie is committed to helping the Place Board continue to provide meaningful amenities and opportunities for Pershore to thrive boldly.

    • Headshot of Scott Andrews

      Scott Andrews

      Scott Andrews is the Head of Worcester Business School at the University of Worcester and has a background in leadership and change management.  Scott is the Vice President of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.  He is one of the senior leaders of Pershore Community Church and is a leader of the ‘#LovePershore’ initiative that supports community and family-focused ventures across the town, including the provision of family hubs to the Pershore Plum Festival and Georgian Christmas Market, as well as regular activities with residents in North Pershore.  Scott moved to the area in 2018 with his wife Rachel and can often be seen cycling through Pershore with their young daughter, Martha.

    • Headshot of Nathan Gunnell

      Nathan Gunnell

      Nathan is the Pershore Town Centre Events Co Ordinator for the Pershore Events and Festivals Association, leading delivery of key events including the Pershore Broad Street Market and the Pershore Georgian Christmas Fayre. He is also Operations Manager at Spirit Ventures, overseeing event planning and hospitality operations with a focus on operational excellence and commercial performance and Director of Gunnell Events Management.

      Nathan previously worked for Worcester City Council, where he gained experience delivering large scale public events and working with local authorities, community organisations and businesses.

      Nathan specialises in logistics, supplier management and revenue generation. His approach combines practical delivery with strategic thinking to enhance visitor experience and maximise economic impact, supporting local businesses and strengthening Pershore as a vibrant destination.

    How do I get in touch with the Pershore Place Board?

    In the first instance please contact Steve Knight, Place Projects Officer: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07989 509915.

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