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Go Forth Stirling BID has appointed Fiona McMillan as its new Community Engagement and Business Improvement Officer.
Ms McMillan is an experienced project manager who previously worked at the University of Stirling as a Careers Consultant and Business Engagement Officer.
Her new position includes building and nurturing relationships with local businesses, liaising with community groups and city stakeholders to foster collaboration, managing the BID’s database and initiating projects which align with the organisation’s objectives.
She takes over the role from Jitka Fleglova who has moved to another company following six years at the BID (Business Improvement District).
Ms McMillan will be based at the Go Forth office in Stirling’s Baker Street with the rest of the BID team – Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith, Events Coordinator Josie Brown and Street Ambassador Gail Lamb.
She said: “I’m delighted to start my new job at Go Forth and look forward to getting involved in supporting the city’s businesses and helping make Stirling a more welcoming space for everyone.
“I’m very much interested in economic development and placemaking and having the opportunity to take those interests forward in Stirling with its rich heritage and wealth of opportunities is fantastic.
“It is a city people can feel really proud of and there is so much to celebrate thanks to the area’s history, culture, greenspace and sporting opportunities.
“The BID is all about improving the trading environment for businesses and enhancing the city for Stirling residents and visitors alike and I’m excited to engage and collaborate with the local community, business owners and other stakeholders to help achieve that remit.”
Ms McMillan, who lives in Plean, is very much rooted in Stirling. She grew up in Menstrie, studied History and Politics at the University of Stirling and has lived and worked in the area for most of her life.
She said: “I’m a huge fan of Stirling and it’s a place I have always felt at home in. It has great connections to other cities and everything I am interested in or want to do; I can do here.”
Ms McMillan, who is a member of the Institute of Place Management and the Economic Development Association of Scotland, has spent her first few weeks at Go Forth engaging with the business community and consulting with partnership organisations and stakeholders working in tourism and economic development.
She said: “It’s early days yet, but it’s been helpful to get to know more about the people and organisations the BID collaborates with and begin to build relationships with them.
“I’ve also had a wonderful welcome from the friendly Go Forth team whose enthusiasm and passion for the city is infectious. They have so many ideas and projects on the go aimed at shaping a vibrant and thriving city centre and it’s a privilege to be a part of such a vital organisation.”
Go Forth’s Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fiona to the team and I have no doubt her varied experience and track record of effective partnership working will make her a great asset to the BID.
“She will play a key role in implementing the BID’s strategy by supporting city centre activities, fostering strong community relationships and delivering initiatives which benefit both local businesses and the wider Stirling community.
“It’s wonderful to have someone who is so passionate about Stirling join the team and I look forward to working with her.”
Go Forth Stirling is the city’s BID (Business Improvement District) representing more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
For more information, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
