We interview Jonny Noble, the Chief Executive of the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID)
ABOUT THE BID: Bradford BID has been designed to create a vibrant and thriving city centre that attracts increased footfall from both local people and visitors from elsewhere, so that all our businesses flourish and prosper. Whether people live or work in Bradford or are simply visiting, our goal is that they are motivated to stay for longer, spend more and return more frequently.
Tell us about the day-to-day life of your job?
I over see the operation of the BID, ensuring strategic direction, delivering on the BID Business Plan and working closely with key stakeholders in the City Centre, continuing the ongoing regeneration and place making.
What excites you about your job?
Everything! However, if I had to choose one thing, it is seeing the effect that the BID work has on our businesses and the wider City Centre. We strive to make the City Centre a great place to do business and seeing our projects deliver just that is amazing!
What is the proudest moment of your career?
Being appointed to the role of Chief Executive of Bradford BID. As a proud Bradford lad, being given the opportunity to make positive change to a place I truly love is something that I cannot put into words!
If you knew someone was wanting to get into your industry, what advice would you give them?
Be prepared for the fun but acknowledge there will be challenges. Place management is such a varied and wide-ranging vocation, you need to be able to flex quickly, listen and learn from your peers, and most importantly, be passionate!!
What makes a good boss?
I would like to say that a good boss is somebody that offers support, listens as well as advises and allows you to develop. This may be through continual learning or simply acting as an advocate and peer when needed.
What is it you love about Bradford?
The fact my family came over to Bradford from Ireland in the late 50s and were warmly welcomed into Bradford. Also, the people. Bradfordians are passionate, gritty, determined and mostly good fun!!!
Who is your idol and why?
Stuart McCall the former player and manager of my beloved Bradford City. I have watched him playing since I was a young lad and then onto his management time (s). He is Bradford City through and through and still maintains his deep links with the place and the club.
Name 4 people dead or alive you would like to go to dinner with.
Elvis Presley, Liam Gallager, Stuart McCall and my wife Kathryn!!!
What is your favourite book?
Hard to say but I like The Magic Cottage by James Herbert.
What do you do to unwind after a long day in the office?
Those that know me know!!! I have a big hot tub in my back garden and spend many an hour in there. My “hot tub musings” have spawned many a BID project idea!
What would your superpower be?
I would love to be able to fly. I often have a recurring dream that I can fly (some meaning there I am sure) and am disappointed when I wake up and can hardly get up!!!
What is your happy song?
Probably “Don’t Worry – Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. My wife and I walked back down the aisle to it after we got married. That was over 20 years ago, so it must work!
If you could retire tomorrow what would be the first thing you’d do?
Get on a worldwide cruise. When I left college, I went straight into work and didn’t get to travel as much as I would like. Now I am a bit older, we do get away a bit more but there is plenty more of the world to see!!!!
Tell us a joke!
Conjunctivisis.com – that’s a site for sore eyes!!!!!
DISCOVER MORE AT: www.bradfordbid.co.uk
