Farewell Mel, hello Sian

There’s a new face steering Newham BID: Sian Knights has stepped into the role of BID manager, bringing with her 13 years of experience at neighbouring Truro BID. 

 

Sian takes over from Mel Richardson, who is leaving to pursue her consultancy work with BIDs around the UK. 

 

Mel took the reins of Newham BID in 2016, and quickly saw the industrial estate’s potential as an economic hub. Today, it has 1,500 employees, 2,000 daily vehicle movements and a turnover in the millions. “It’s the equivalent of a small town the size of Liskeard, says Mel. “Newham isn’t just an add-on to Truro – it's a big player.”

 

She found the variety of businesses on the estate particularly appealing, from fitness providers and charities to hauliers and transport depots including First Bus and waste contractors Biffa. “I liked that mix, and also the passion and pride the business owners had in what they did.” 

 

Mel's tenure saw the industrial estate weather the pandemic: “If we hadn’t been fully operational, these companies wouldn’t have been able to serve the public,” she says. “It isn’t just about making money – there's a real community conscience at Newham. They want people to be safe, and they did us proud. It was an absolute honour to support them on that journey.” 

 

And in July 2023, in a nationwide first, BID members voted 100% to keep the organisation going, securing £428,000 towards projects and services, from security and signage to campaigns, for the benefit of all over a five-year term. 

 

Mel remains a trustee of Newham-based charity iSight Cornwall, and with many business owners now firm friends, she will take a little piece of the estate with her on her travels. But she has no regrets: “It's time for a fresh pair of eyes, and Sian will bring new vibrancy to the role.”  

 

For her part, Sian is settling in and meeting BID members. Her role as communications officer with Truro BID has given her “an all-round, 360º understanding of operations, and a good grounding for this role”, and an insight into the differences between the two BIDS. “In the city centre, two-thirds of the businesses are national and mostly retail. Here in Newham, they are largely independent and much more varied in nature.”

 

She already has a feel for the job: “Every day the phone rings and it’s something different. It keeps you on your toes.”