New CEO Appointed for MyMiltonKeynes

MyMiltonKeynes is pleased to confirm the appointment of Jill Farnsworth as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Milton Keynes Business Improvement District (BID).

Jill, starting her role at MyMiltonKeynes on Friday, 8th September, succeeds Melanie J Beck MBE, who declared her intention to retire from the position of MyMiltonKeynes CEO earlier in the year.

Jill transitions to MyMiltonKeynes from Watford BID, where she held the role of Head of Operations & Development since its inception in April 2016.

Before this, Jill served as the Town Centre Partnership Officer for Watford Town Centre Partnership. In that capacity, she was pivotal in shaping the Watford BID business plan and liaising with local businesses to secure a YES vote during the 2015 BID ballot.

Throughout her tenure with Watford BID, she notably led a successful second ballot in 2021. Jill was the driving force behind the Business Crime Reduction Partnership: Watford Business Against Crime, introduced the BID’s Service Excellence Awards and managed initiatives targeting the enhancement of the town centre’s aesthetic and atmosphere. Jill boasts an extensive public sector background, having spent seven years at Watford Borough Council and eight years prior in the private sector, specifically in the communications sector.

Paul Davis, Chair of MyMiltonKeynes, commented: “We’re thrilled to have Jill Farnsworth join MyMiltonKeynes. Beyond her substantial experience and expertise, her dedication and determination in executing the Watford BID business plan are evident. We eagerly anticipate the positive changes she’ll introduce in Central Milton Keynes, from upholding the esteemed standards within the BID area to pioneering fresh, innovative initiatives.”

Furthermore, Jill, armed with a Diploma in BID Leadership and a Certificate in BID Management, will inherit the duty of realising the MyMiltonKeynes 2022-27 Business Plan from Melanie. Her central aim will be forging enduring ties with BID levy contributors and local stakeholders, guaranteeing that the BID perpetually provides the projects and services that align with their ever-adapting requirements.

Regarding her appointment, Jill expressed: “I am enthused to be stepping into the role of Chief Executive at MyMiltonKeynes. It’s a distinctive city with a robust business backdrop, and I’m eager to join forces with local stakeholders to enhance its flourishing trajectory. Ensuring Central Milton Keynes remains pristine, secure and inviting is paramount. Melanie has set down an indelible foundation, and I’m keen to expand on that, guiding the team in perpetuating the remarkable achievements they’ve made over the past six years. I’m fervently passionate about BIDs and the potential they present to a locality. My primary endeavour will be to grasp the nuances of Milton Keynes, the function of the BID within, and our strategies for continually addressing the necessities of our levy-contributing businesses whilst bolstering the city centre’s prosperous evolution.”

MyMiltonKeynes’ core aims have consistently been to champion enhancements and initiatives in the Cityscape for the betterment of BID contributors and their staff, and to augment city centre visits, duration and expenditure from shoppers, tourists and locals. Having attracted inward investment to the tune of £10 million since 2017, the BID’s enduring mission is to nurture a public space that is tidy, safe and engaging, teeming with events for everyone’s enjoyment.

For additional details regarding MyMiltonKeynes, kindly visit www.mymiltonkeynes.co.uk and stay abreast of the latest news from your Business Improvement District by following @MyMiltonKeynes on Facebook, X (previously Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.