An experienced property and facilities management expert has been appointed as the new chair for Coventry Business Improvement District (BID).

Gloria Colling, Facilities and Contracts Business Lead at Severn Trent, has been appointed into the role on the board. She succeeds Martin French, Local Director at Natwest, who has completed a two-year term as chair.

Gloria has worked at Severn Trent for 35 years and has primarily operated in property and facilities management roles, managing the company’s estate and offices – and is now responsible for facilities management at Severn Trent’s headquarters on St John’s Street in Coventry, and also manages its academy building.

Coventry BID has been operating in the city centre for 20 years and was voted in by levy paying businesses for its fifth five-year term last year. The BID works with its levy payers to make the city centre a vibrant and safe place to live, visit and work.

It is governed by a board of directors which provides strategic direction and are responsible to stakeholders for the conduct, performance and due governance of Coventry BID.

Gloria became involved with the BID in 2018, as Severn Trent is the BID’s largest levy payer, and she joined the board as a director in 2021.

Gloria said: “I’m pleased to be stepping into this position and would like to thank Martin for his work over the last two years.

“It’s rewarding to be able to contribute to the city centre’s success and for Severn Trent it is important that we play an active role in Coventry’s development.

“Around 30 per cent of our workforce at our headquarters are from the local area, so having a thriving, safe and bustling city centre is important for our team and their welfare.

“We made a clear commitment to investing in Coventry when we relocated our headquarters and we have continued that investment in the city and community ever since.

“The BID has always been keen to listen and hear our opinions at Severn Trent. I’m looking forward to giving back in this position, contributing my own skills and working closely with the BID team and the board to drive positive change across the city centre.”

Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, added: “Gloria has been a key part of our board for the past three years, and it’s fantastic that she has chosen to continue her work with the BID in this new role.

“Her experience and knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on plans which will bring significant benefits to the city centre, its businesses and visitors.

“Gloria will be able to build on the strong foundations left by outgoing chair Martin French. We would like to thank Martin for his dedication and hard work during his time as Chair.”