Erick Kervaon, Chairman of Richmond BID

Business Direct - May 2019

There are currently three Town Centre Manager posts around the borough, in addition to local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and the Business Associations in each town. Business Associations tend to be open membership organisations that form to provide community support, networking opportunities and general business promotion for a particular area. Over the next few months we are going to be meeting a host of business representatives, giving you an insight into each person and organisation – hopefully giving a little bit of inspiration for the future!

Meet Erick Kervaon, Chairman of Richmond BID.

What is your background and how long have you been representing local businesses in Richmond?

My background is in the hospitality industry. I have worked all over the world in some stunning locations with some amazing high-profile people. Since 2013 I have been General Manager of the Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond. I also run two other specialist hospitality companies.

I have been involved with Richmond BID since 2016. As a passionate supporter of independent local businesses, it was clear to me that the BID could play a make huge difference in terms of promoting Richmond and supporting Richmond businesses.

What is the Richmond BID and what does your role involve?

A BID is a not-for-profit, business-led partnership set up to improve and enhance a commercial district. There are over 250 BIDs in the UK with more than 50 in the greater London area.

Richmond BID is a five-year plan that will invest £3.2 million to support businesses within the town centre during that period. Richmond BID is branded Be Richmond and uses the marketing strap line 'Live Work Explore' to engage with three key groups; residents, Richmond businesses and their employees, plus visitors who enjoy the town’s strong retail, hospitality and cultural offer. In summary, the BID exists to make Richmond a better place to live, do business, work, and visit.

As Chairman of Richmond BID, my main focus is ensuring that we deliver our business plan and achieve our agreed objectives. I play a very hands-on role working with and supporting our in-house teams and external consultants.

What are some of the difficulties you face in the job and what do you enjoy best about your role?

The two main challenges we face are red tape and resistance to change. Bureaucracy is particularly frustrating as the goal posts seem to constantly move. On several occasions we thought we had ticked all the boxes, only to find a whole new set of rules and regulations presented to us.

There’s an old saying that 'achieving change requires making change'. It’s very true. Unfortunately, some of the people we deal want improved outcomes, but don’t want to do anything differently.

Despite the challenges, we have had some great successes and I have really enjoyed being involved at all levels.

How does the trade in your local area compare to other towns across the borough?

Richmond is very lucky in a number of respects. It has excellent road and public transport links, close proximity to Heathrow, a superb retail and hospital offer and a beautiful riverside setting. All these factors combine to create a unique business-friendly environment. The other towns in the borough have their own strengths. Overall, it’s a very impressive borough!

What new events/activities are planned in your area during 2019?

We have recently completed two highly successful events, the Richmond May Ball and the Richmond May Fair. The Ball raised a staggering £100,000 for two local charities, while the Fair attracted record crowds and was well received by all parties.

In June we have our 'Get On Board' paddle board event to clear plastic and rubbish from the river and highlight the problem of plastic pollution in our waterways. Hundreds of paddle boarders on the water will be assisted by residents, schools and charities on the towpath. We are pitching the event as the world’s biggest community river clean up and we’re challenging other towns to prove otherwise.

After that, it’s the countdown to Christmas and the challenge is to outperform our massively successful 2018 event.

In addition to events, we run networking groups and workshops to support local businesses.

What is the biggest challenge for your local area at the moment and what are you doing to overcome the challenge?

As in most towns at the moment, many of our shops and restaurants are finding it hard to compete against online competitors. Let’s be clear though, we’ve nothing against online operators and in Richmond we’re lucky enough to host some of the world’s leading brands. However, a thriving High Street is the lifeblood of any community and crucial to the success of any town. We have to find answers to support our high street. At the moment we are working with specialist consultants to develop a strategy for the future.

Any advice for new business owners just getting started in your area?

Yes - get involved! If you want to help us maintain a healthy business environment, sign up to the BID, join relevant committees and steering groups, come to the networking meetings and attend events. It’s your business and it’s your town, don’t wait for things to happen, help make them happen.

If you want to contact Erick, email erick@binghamriverhouse.com