The general manager of historic Bath department store Jolly's has been appointed the new chair of the city's business improvement district (BID).
Jess Merritt-Johns replaces Michael Musgrave of The Apex City of Bath who is stepping down from the BID board to pursue a new position at Apex Hotels.
Ms Merritt-Johns is the operations lead and general manager of Jolly’s, which is based on Milsom Street and has been a fixture in the city since 1823. It was acquired by independent retailer Morleys Group earlier this year.
She said: "I am honoured and excited to have taken on the role of chair of the Bath BID - I have worked in and around this city for the past 15 years and have seen much of the wonderful work and positive impact the BID has had, and am looking forward to supporting the continuation and development of this.
“I am very passionate about the success of our High Streets, and a big believer that retail still has a firm place among it. I will be supporting businesses across the city in whatever way that I can, with a personal focus on driving quality footfall and continuing to bring success to a thriving city centre.”
Mr Musgrave added: “I am honoured to have been the chair of the Bath BID. I am proud of the work that the BID has done over my tenure, focusing on supporting business growth, enhancing the welcome of the city and fostering a strong sense of community.”
Jolly’s is currently going through a renovation process and will be opening in October next year. Ms Merritt-Johns is currently overseeing a number of projects including the renovation works, a visitor centre based on Jolly’s 200-year history and community partnerships and events.
Allison Herbert, chief executive at Bath BID, added: “We have been really lucky to have had Michael Musgrave expertly leading as the chair of the board for the last year and are looking forward working with Jess.
"She has a clear passion for, and experience in, retail management and as an active member of the Bath business community, she is ideally placed to help us to continue to best serve the interests of the district.”
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