New board chairs appointed to Birmingham Colmore BID

Birmingham Colmore - Birmingham’s largest Business Improvement District (BID) - has appointed Alex Tross, partner at Carter Jonas and Kate-Emma Bailey, partner at Squire Patton Boggs as the new board chairs.

They succeed Nicola Fleet-Milne, founder and managing director of FleetMilne estate and letting agents on Colmore Row, who steps down after seven years as chair.

In her time as the chair, Nicola has led Birmingham Colmore through a period of significant growth and change, including the development of the Future Business District study in 2020, the appointment of Birmingham’s first city curator, a rebrand project and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southside District.

Nicola also led the BID in its successful BID4 (2024-2029) ballot, having won with 98 per cent ‘yes’ votes.

She said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Birmingham Colmore for the past seven years. During that time, we have delivered significant projects, strengthened partnership working across the city and secured a strong mandate from businesses through our successful BID4 ballot.

“I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to our Board, levy payers and the Birmingham Colmore team for their commitment and support.

“Colmore has a vital role to play in Birmingham's future, and I have every confidence that Alex and Kate will continue to build on this strong foundation."

Alex and Kate succeed Nicola as co-chairs, with Alex previously holding the role as deputy chair since 2020 and Kate as a member of the board since 2021. 

Alex leads the Colmore Culture Working Group, responsible for championing Colmore’s growing leisure and hospitality scene both day and night.

He also chairs Colmore’s Property Owners and Agents Forum, which brings together national owners and agents managing building premises across Birmingham to drive forward progress and investment across the entire city-centre.

Kate leads the Safer Colmore Working Group, which advocates safety in Birmingham’s heart and strengthens Colmore’s reputation as one of Birmingham’s safest and most welcoming districts.

Alex said: "I am honoured to be appointed Co-Chair of Birmingham Colmore alongside Kate.

“Birmingham continues to evolve, and we have a unique opportunity to strengthen Colmore's position as Birmingham's premier business and cultural destination.

“Building on Nicola's outstanding leadership, I look forward to working closely with our Board, levy payers and partners to support growth, champion our thriving hospitality and cultural offer, and ensure Colmore remains a place where businesses, workers and visitors can flourish."

Kate added: "Birmingham Colmore has an ambitious vision for the future, and I am excited to take on the role of Co-Chair at such an important time for the city.

“Colmore's success is built on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to creating a vibrant, safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

“As we look towards the future and prepare for our next chapter, I am committed to ensuring the BID continues to deliver meaningful results for our business community and the wider city."

Other Birmingham Colmore board members are Tim Hall (deputy chair), directors Paul Fielding (Cannacord Genuity), Melanie Williams (DWF Law), Hannah Voogd (HBD), Alison Kilby (Arup), Joanna Lee-Mills (Ward Hadaway), Sandeep Shingadia (Transport for West Midlands) and Councillor Raheem Humphreys (Birmingham City Council).

Pictured: From left - Nicola Fleet-Milne, Alex Tross, Kate-Emma Bailey, Tim Hall, Paul Fielding