Tim Downing, Chairman of Guildford’s Town Centre Management Group, has retired after 13 years in the role.
Tim’s achievements during his time at the helm have included working with Guildford Borough Council to establish the post of Town Centre Manager for Guildford. This post, currently held by Chris Howard, encourages good communication and co-operation between retailers, businesses and other agencies in the town - helping to ensure that Guildford remains one of the most popular retail and visitor destinations in the south east.
Dr Malcolm Parry, Director, Surrey Research Park and Chairman of Guildford Business Forum, says: “Tim has played a pivotal role in representing the commercial interests of the town and ensuring that important issues such as the quality of the built environment, parking, and access to the town centre are monitored and managed. His input will be missed and I would like to thank him for his real commitment and contribution over the many years”.
Tim has also used his position to promote Guildford in Bloom and worked in partnership with the Rotary Club to raise funds for projects such as the information panels on Guildford’s historic trail.
Cathy Wiles, Manager of Heals and member of the Town Centre Management Group comments: “Tim has made a truly remarkable contribution to the development of the town and his hard work has resulted in many positive changes over the years for businesses, residents and visitors. His commitment and diligence are to be commended”.
Chris Howard, Town Centre Manager adds: “Tim leaves us a strong legacy of success and thanks to him the town is now in a great position to expand upon this. Although I have only worked with him for a comparatively short time, I know that the work that he has put in down the years, all of it on a voluntary basis, has helped to ensure that Guildford town centre is the award-winning, attractive and vibrant place that it is today.”
Following a decision taken at the March Annual General Meeting of the Town Centre Management Group, Kevin Lorimer takes over as the newly appointed Chairman. Kevin is the manager of the County Club and has a wealth of experience in business tourism, particularly hotel management. The new manager of Sainsbury’s, Liam O’Donoghue has been appointed as Deputy Chairman of the group.
Press contact: Natalie Ashton, Assistant Communications Officer
Tel: 01483 444329
Fax: 01483 444023
Email: natalie.ashton@guildford.gov.uk