The new manager of BID St Andrews has stated her determination to establish a shopping experience fit for both townsfolk and visitors.
Rhonda McCrimmon said that she was excited to be taking up her new post, but was aware of the need to satisfy the demands of levy payers.
The first key appointment by BID St Andrews since the elected board took over in January, the former accountant will become the new face of the group and is charged with delivering its business plan, aimed at making the town centre a more attractive place for traders and shoppers.
To do this, she said that communicating with operators would be a key part of her new role.
“I love working with people who can think outside of the box and I think that this role will give me the opportunity to use my skills in the best way,” she told The Courier.
“I’m looking to deliver our business plan and make sure that is communicated with all businesses in the area.
“I want to know what any concerns are and address those as best as I can.
“At the end of the day we are custodians of St Andrews and I want to help improve businesses here for local people and visitors.”
Key to rejuvenating St Andrews as a shopping destination will be the staging of several events, aimed at making the town centre area a venue for local people and tourists.
Among these events will be a series of Robert Burns-related events next January, while developing the town as a Christmas shopping destination is also on the agenda.
Explaining the new appointment, Alistair Lang, St Andrews BID chairman, said: “Rhonda’s a very outgoing, friendly person and those strong communication skills combined with her professional abilities and experience have given the board enormous confidence in her ability to be a great ambassador for BID St Andrews.
“Rhonda is ideally suited to listen to the needs of levy-payers and other stakeholders, advise the board on how we can best help her deliver the business plan and any new needs her conversations have identified.
“The board and I are very much looking forward to working with her.”