A Coventry business leader has been appointed as a national champion for an initiative that
helps people to ask for support if they feel unsafe, vulnerable or threated on a night out.

Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) has been
appointed as an Ask for Angela ambassador and will share her expertise in implementing
the scheme in Coventry with cities and towns across the country.

Joanne brings more than 22 years’ experience running licensed venues and since being
appointed as the leader of the BID in 2024, she has worked with partners across the city
centre to strengthen its evening and night-time economy while prioritising safety and
responsible venue management.

This included the relaunch of Ask for Angela and a training programme to support venues to
adopt the initiative and ensure staff are equipped to assist anyone who may feel vulnerable.
She also supports the delivery of the Best Bar None scheme across Coventry, in partnership
with Coventry City Council’s Licencing team, which encourages venues to maintain high
standards of safety, staff training and partnership working.

Coventry’s commitment to a well-managed and safe night-time economy has recently been
recognised through achieving Purple Flag status in 2026.

Joanne attended an event at Wembley Stadium to formally take on the ambassador role,
with Ask for Angela unveiling its new ‘Official Pledge’ and refreshed branding to help venues
across the country promote the scheme clearly and confidently.

She will support the national organisation by sharing Coventry’s experience of delivering the
scheme locally and encouraging venues across the country to adopt and embed the
initiative.

Joanne Glover said: “I’m over the moon to have become an Ask for Angela ambassador. We
have worked really hard to encourage more venues to take up the initiative in Coventry,
including engaging with new venues and delivering a programme of training for new and
existing staff.

“Through this new role, we have the opportunity to share Coventry’s experience of
delivering the scheme and insights on how others can adopt and embed the initiative in
their night-time economy.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team to champion safety in our night-time
economy businesses and continue supporting venues across Coventry to ensure everyone
can enjoy a safe night out.”