The Knutsford BID Board
The Knutsford BID Board is a voluntary, business‑led group established following strong interest from the local business community, with more than 20 individuals expressing a wish to be involved in shaping the BID.
The Board exists to represent the levy payers across the Knutsford BID area. It brings together a diverse range of sectors, business sizes, and geography, providing strategic leadership, oversight, and guidance to the accountable body responsible for delivering the Knutsford BID.
The Board has appointed Groundwork CLM to manage the BID, and preparations for delivery are progressing well. A Baseline Agreement with Knutsford Town Council and an Operating Agreement with Cheshire East Council have both been approved.
Board Membership
The Knutsford BID Board consists of 11 voting members from the local business community, supported by representatives from Cheshire East Council and Knutsford Town Council, bringing the total number of voting members to 13.

Helen Rogers
Matix Accounts (Chair)
Bio
Helen Rogers is passionate about our high streets and shop local having been the daughter of a shop owner ‘Gibbons the Grocer’. Her own business Matix Accounts Limited started out as Knutsford Admin Limited and has supported many local businesses with bookkeeping over the last 15 years. Her keen interest in local politics and businesses in general mean that she has a very holistic view to a local economy and is eager that the Knutsford BID delivers for all of the levy payers in the BID area.

Peter Murray
On the Pulse of Perfumery Ltd (Vice Chair)

Andy Whitmore
438 Marketing Limited
Bio
Andy is a Founding Partner and Strategy Director of 438 Marketing, a full-service Brand Communications Agency, proudly headquartered in Knutsford for over 20 years.
On one hand a C-Suite level consultant to global businesses; on the other a down-to-earth local resident, Andy hopes to bring an objective balance of business acumen and community care to the BID Executive Board.

Ann Long
SeeOver Ltd
Bio
Ann moved from London to Knutsford 35 years ago and, together with her husband John, raised their family there. She is now actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren, all of whom live in the town. Living in the centre of Knutsford, Ann values being closely connected to the everyday life of the town and is passionate about supporting its local businesses and community spirit. Ann is a Trustee of the local charity “Just Drop-In” and sings with the local Star Choir.
While based in Knutsford, Ann has maintained an international career in global leadership roles, working principally from London, The Hague and remotely, with extensive international travel. She is recognised for her ability to set strategic direction, build high-performing teams, and lead complex organisational change. With a strong commercial focus, she has significant experience in budgeting, financial management, risk management and operational governance within large global enterprises.
Ann has always prioritised personal development and followed her Maths & IT degree with professional certifications, an MBA and, more recently, an MSc in the Psychology of Mental Health.
Following a 30-year career with Shell, Ann has spent the past five years in senior consultancy roles, including positions with a leading Big Four accountancy firm and a Magic Circle law firm. She is currently working as a Service Transition Manager at a leading international law firm.
April Doherty
April’s Kitchen Limited
Bio
Hi, I’m April. Originally from Cumbria, I now live in Knutsford with my young family. As the owner and founder of April’s Kitchen, an independent restaurant specialising in breakfast, lunch and great events. I’m passionate about supporting positive change within our town through the BID. I love bringing people together by creating events and initiatives that benefit both the local community and independent businesses, helping Knutsford remain a vibrant and thriving place for all.

Caterine Hooper
Detaljer

Councillor April Johnson
Knutsford Town Council

Richard Clare
Clare & Illingworth Opticians
Bio
I’m Richard Clare, Managing Director at Clare & Illingworth Optometrists, an independent eyecare business with practices in Knutsford and Wilmslow. I’ve worked in the optical industry for over 25 years, progressing from receptionist through to business leadership, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and proactive eyecare.
Alongside overseeing the business, I’ve helped develop specialist services including our dry eye clinic and have a strong interest in how independent businesses continue to evolve while remaining community-focused.
Knutsford is a town I care deeply about, both personally and professionally, and I’m delighted to be part of the BID Board supporting its future growth and vibrancy.

Richard Milkins
Cheshire East Council
Bio
Richard Milkins is Visitor Economy Manager at Cheshire East Council, where he leads the development and promotion of the borough’s visitor economy. With a focus on strengthening Cheshire East’s tourism offer, Richard works collaboratively with partners across the public and private sectors to support sustainable growth, enhance the area’s profile as a destination, and improve the quality and range of visitor experiences. His work spans strategic planning, destination marketing, and evidence-led initiatives to maximise the economic and social benefits of tourism for local communities.
Richard is based at Tatton Park and has been involved in numerous initiatives within Knutsford, including the successful Tour of Britain race that brought vast crowds to Knutsford in 2016

Roberta Dyer
Roberta Beauty Redefined
Bio
Roberta Dyer is the owner of Roberta Beauty Redefined, an independent beauty and skin clinic based in the heart of Knutsford. With over 20 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry, Roberta is passionate about community connection, supporting the local high street and helping businesses thrive together. Having built and grown her business in Knutsford since 2008, she brings hands on experience, creativity and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing independent businesses within the town. Roberta strongly believes in the importance of creating a welcoming, vibrant and connected community for both businesses and residents alike.

Roger Greig
Edmundson Electrical Ltd
Bio
Born and brought up in Knutsford I have lived and/or worked in the town all my life and my connection with the town remains strong. I work for Edmundson Electrical Ltd, the UK’s leading electrical wholesaler, whose Head Office has been located on Tatton Street since 1973. My roles as Building Manager, Operator’s Licence Manager and Senior Health & Safety Adviser keep me busy throughout the working day, during which I promote support of the local community as much as possible.
It is a privilege to serve on the BID Board, and I will devote my time upon it to help steer policy and direction for the programme. I believe my practical and lateral approach to projects will provide a valuable contribution amongst the cohort of other talented and passionate board members, all of whom volunteer their time for the benefit of the town, its businesses and wider community.

Rupert Collis
Fisher German
Bio
Rupert has extensive commercial property experience in the North West region and is a Partner at Fisher German based in their Knutsford office. Rupert is Head of Commercial Lease Advisory with responsibility for a team that advises clients across the UK.
Rupert qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1996 with Gerald Eve LLP in London where he spent the first 9 years of his career before moving to Cheshire in 2002. He has previously worked with the Co-operative Group, Lambert Smith Hampton and then with Gerald Eve LLP in Manchester before joining Eaton Estate in Chester as the Estate Manager, which is part of the Grosvenor Estate and is the principal home of the Duke of Westminster and the Grosvenor family.
Rupert has lived in the local area for nearly 25 years and has a strong connection with Knutsford with his two daughters having attended school here.

Susan Henry
The Tea Room

Sandra Curties
Knutsford Town Council (Advisory)
Bio
Sandra has worked for Knutsford Town Council, as Town Centre Manager, since 2017 (minus a sabbatical in 2022). She works on several initiatives designed to generate footfall, support town centre businesses, and generally promote Knutsford as a place to visit, shop, dwell and enjoy. She manages a small team of 2, working on the Discover Knutsford place brand and social media, Knutsford voucher scheme, Taste Knutsford and contributes to the town’s event and benchmarking programmes. She also manages Knutsford Market Hall and works closely with the Makers Market and Tatton Park teams. Sandra is also a member of the Institute of Place.
Sandra has lived in Knutsford since 1998 (she is a Southern girl) and she lucky enough to be able to walk to work. She is married with 2 grown up children who were educated in the local schools. She loves reading, bootcamp, yoga and generally socialising. Often in Knutsford (if she isn’t wearing her lanyard, she is off duty!)
Photography by Paul Worpole