Alex Tross, Partner at Carter Jonas and Kate-Emma Bailey, Partner at Squire Patton Boggs have been appointed the new Board Chairs of Birmingham Colmore, one of the UK’s leading and Birmingham’s largest Business Improvement District (BID).
The move comes as Nicola Fleet-Milne, founder and Managing Director of FleetMilne estate and letting agents on Colmore Row, steps down after seven years as Chair of the Board of Directors.
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 ever City Curator, a strategic rebrand project and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southside District, shaping the next chapter of the city’s future.
Nicola also led the BID in its successful BID4 (2024-2029) ballot, having won with 98% yes votes, enabling Birmingham Colmore to deliver its ambitious vision for the area, with local businesses investing over £7.5m over five years.
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 of the Board, 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.
The appointments reflect Birmingham Colmore’s key priorities as the BID prepares for its BID5 ballot.
Speaking of the appointment, 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 Bailey 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.”
Tim Hall, Director at Hays Recruitment, has been appointed Deputy Chair following four years on the Board, bringing extensive expertise in workforce trends, skills and talent development across the West Midlands. He succeedsAlex Tross and Paul Fielding in the role of Deputy Chair.
He added: “Having served on the Birmingham Colmore Board for the past four years, I have seen first-hand the impact the BID delivers for businesses, workers and visitors. I look forward to supporting Alex, Kate and the wider Board as we continue to strengthen Birmingham’s position as a leading business destination.”
As Colmore continues to deliver projects and services on behalf of levy payers, it is also seeking new Directors from levy-paying businesses within the District. The voluntary Board positions provide an opportunity for business leaders to play an active role in shaping priorities, influencing investment decisions and supporting the continued success of Birmingham’s business core. Interested individuals can find out more here.
Birmingham Colmore is the cultural, commercial and civic heart of Birmingham – a vibrant district driving footfall, economic growth and quality of life. Centrally located and well connected, Colmore is home to over 650 companies and more than 75,000 professionals as the hub of the West Midlands’ business, professional and financial services cluster.
The BID delivers transformational public realm projects, including Livery Street Subway, Cornwall Street and Church Street Square, while also hosting major events such as the annual Colmore Food Festival, which has attracted more than 50,000 visitors to Victoria Square each year for over 13 years.
The new Birmingham Colmore Board consists of:
Co-Chair: Alex Tross and Kate Bailey
Deputy Chair: Tim Hall
Board of Directors: Paul Fielding (Cannacord Genuity), Melanie Williams (DWF Law), Hannah Voogd (HBD), Alison Kilby (Arup), Joanna Lee-Mills
Board Members: Sandeep Shingadia (Transport for West Midlands) and Councillor Raheem Humphreys (Birmingham City Council).
Expressions of interest for the Board Director positions should be shared with Jonathan.Bryce@
To find out more about Birmingham Colmore, visit https://colmorelife.co.uk/
