Poole’s Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

Jacqui Rock has a wealth of knowledge about the high street with experience in her voluntary position as the current vice president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

She replaces Steve Reilly who has been managing the BID for the past year.

Her appointment comes at the BID seeks a new mandate, with a ballot in May for another five year term.

Jacqui said: “I am extremely passionate about the high street and I have always recognised Poole as a town full of potential in terms of both national brands and independent retailers, hospitality and professional services.

“My experience with Bournemouth Chamber over the past eight years has seen many changes, including that of our councils merging and forming BCP.

"I believe that this has been a successful move and as Poole BID enters into the ballot process over the next few months, it is key that we continue to work alongside BCP, the other local BIDs and key stakeholders to achieve the ‘Yes’ vote.

"We want the town centre area to continue to have a voice in the Poole regeneration programme and to emerge from the lockdown effectively.”

With a background in project management, marketing, collaboration and as an investment bank manager with JPMorgan, Jacqui’s immediate priority is work with the levy payers to understand their needs and deliver on them.

Steve, who stepped in from his role as a director of the BID on a temporary basis, to help navigate through the challenging past 12 months said: "With investment coming into the area, the future for Poole is exciting and so it feels the correct time for me to hand over and ensure that the impetus is continued over the long term.”

James Croker, BID chairman added: “Steve’s period of leadership has been instrumental in bringing together our levy payers, local residents and BCP Council, whilst ensuring that Poole Town Centre and Quay businesses are at the heart of all of our decision making.”

“I am positive that this trajectory will continue with Jacqui’s leadership, as we head towards the process of re-election in May 2021 and beyond."