Gloucester business owner Becci Zawadzki has been appointed as the new chair of the city's business improvement district, this February 2025.
Becci, who owns Norville Opticians on Eastgate Street, takes on leadership of the board from Kieron Bates, who the team says has been a 'driving force' for Gloucester BID over the last five years, taking it 'from strength to strength' through the pandemic and securing a second term.
The BID describes Becci as a 'great advocate' for Gloucester who has worked in the city since she was 15 years old, helping out her father at Vision Express in Eastgate Shopping Centre, where he was a director.
Together with her husband and a consortium of investors, Becci followed in her father's footsteps after his retirement, taking over the independently owned Norville Opticians and helping to bring it into the 21st century.
A fully qualified optometrist, she is currently working towards her prescribing licence, which will make Norville’s the first independent opticians to offer prescriptions in Gloucester.
In her new role at the BID, she will be supported by vice-chairs Justin Hudson and Chris Nyland.
Becci said: 'I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective and ideas to the BID. Having more involvement with businesses, getting their input and giving them more value for money.
'There’s a good mix of independents and branded shops here in the city centre, with a good range of diverse areas, like the docks, Cathedral Quarter, Gloucester Quays and Kings Square to name just a few.
'There’s something for everyone and in all seasons. We need to celebrate our city and endeavour to promote Gloucester as a safe, attractive and supported city.'
Emily Gibbon, manager of Gloucester BID added: 'We are delighted to have Becci step up to take on the role of chair.
'Her passion for the city and positive, hard-working attitude is just what we need to take us forward in the second half of our second term.'
