Okehampton Business Improvement District (OKE BID) is pleased to announce the appointment of Duncan Swift as its new BID Manager.
Duncan takes up the role with a unique combination of deep local roots and more than 40 years of professional experience helping businesses grow, adapt and succeed. As BID Manager, he will work on behalf of OKE BID’s 270 levy-paying businesses, supporting initiatives that strengthen the local economy, enhance the town’s profile and encourage greater commercial activity throughout the district.
Although his career has taken him across the UK, Duncan’s connection with Okehampton stretches back more than half a century.
Having first become involved with the town at the age of ten, he attended Okehampton School, worked on local farms as a teenager and developed a lifelong affinity with the area, its people and its businesses. His links with Dartmoor, farming and the wider Devon economy have remained strong throughout his professional life.
Commenting on his appointment, Duncan said:
“Okehampton has been an important part of my life for over 50 years. It is a town with tremendous strengths, an entrepreneurial spirit and a growing reputation as a place to live, work, visit and invest. I am delighted to have the opportunity to support local businesses and help champion the interests of the BID’s levy-paying businesses”.
“My role is to help businesses thrive by promoting Okehampton, encouraging collaboration, identifying opportunities and ensuring that the BID continues to deliver tangible value for those businesses that fund it. I look forward to listening to levy-paying businesses, understanding their priorities and working with them and other partners across the town to support sustainable economic growth.”
Dee Gill and Mike Jolley, Co-Chairs of Okehampton BID, welcome Duncan’s appointment, commenting:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Duncan as BID Manager. His combination of long-standing local knowledge and extensive national business experience makes him exceptionally well placed to lead the next phase of OKE BID’s work.”
“Okehampton is at an important point in its development, with growing opportunities for businesses and increasing interest in the town as a place to invest, visit and work.”
