The business bosses tasked with revitalising Colchester town centre have been revealed.

At its launch yesterday, 11 business experts were announced as the elected board members for Colchester’s long-awaited Business Improvement District (BID).

The crack team will spearhead the five-year business-led partnership, which aims to create a better climate for town centre firms by tackling a range of issues on the high street.

Ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre have already been put forward, including specific schemes such as introducing a calendar of co-ordinated events and a new independent business project fund.

Efforts will also be made to make the town centre a cleaner, safer and more welcoming place, whilst the streetscape and night-time economy are also set to be tackled.

Firms were given a chance to vote on the plans throughout May.

Businesses will pay for the scheme with a compulsory levy charge, administered by the council. - which will work in conjunction with traders to improve the town centre.

Mark Cory, leader of Colchester Council, said: “We know that with unprecedented pressures from online shopping, fast-changing customer tastes and tighter household budgets, town centres nationwide are having to compete harder than ever before.

“I’m certain the BID will be effective in providing the necessary practical solutions to begin to tackle this trend and help revitalise our town centre.

“Under my leadership, this council will continue to work closely with business to make Colchester an even better place to live in, to work in and to visit.

“Our progressive alliance is ensuring Colchester is open for business and, in particular, responsible business that puts something back into our town.”

Bosses say 85 per cent of traders voted in support of the proposals during a month long ballot.

Tim Young, deputy leader of Colchester Council and councillor responsible for business and culture, said: “The BID is a collaborative voice and another outstanding example of the way the council and businesses are working together to make Colchester even better.

“With the overwhelming support of the business community, the BID will help deliver a huge boost to plans to improve the town centre public realm, develop a strong business community, and fulfil our joint ambition and intention to sustain and grow visitor activity over the coming years.”

An advisory board of 12 other business leaders have been chosen to support the board’s work.

Colchester's Business Improvement District board is made up of 11 members:

Michelle Reynolds, owner of Inprint 

Tracy Rudling, CEO of Community 360

Alice Charrrington, Manager of Tymperleys

Simon Blaxill, owner of Kent Blaxill

Bryan Johnston, senior partner at Goody Burrett Solicitors

Rachel Skells, managing partner of Whittles

Andy Starr, chair man of Colchester Pubwatch

Tim Field, solicitor at Birkett Long

Peter Scopes, centre manager of Lion Walk Shopping Centre

Suki Dulai, CEO of Flying Trade Group CHRIS Morgan, branch director of Metro Bank

The Advisory Group consists of:

Paul DeAngelis, Silk Road Bar

James Hambleton, Original Art Shop

Julie Hayward, Fenwicks

Nick Jackson, Atik

Howard Davies, OMC Investments

Osman Rasih, Silk Road Bar

Martin Averre, Ace Comics

Steve Wickers, First Group

Simon Taylor, Greyfriars Books

Mark Jarman-Howe, St. Helena Hospice

Sally Shaw, Firstsite

Dave Robertson, Centre Manager Culver Square