Congratulations To The Northbank BID’s CEO
Huge congratulations are in order for The Northbank BID’s CEO, Ruth Duston, as today she has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Recognised for her significant contribution to businesses in the capital, Ruth has been involved with Business Improvement Districts and business partnerships for almost two decades, representing thousands of businesses and employees and contributing to the enhancement of vast areas of London, from Northbank, Victoria, and Cheapside to Hatton Garden, Richmond, Aldgate and Old Street.
London is expected to establish its 60th BID this year, and Ruth has been involved in the development and running of more BIDs in the capital than any other person. Over the last decade she has leveraged in over £20m of private sector investment for the various projects she has led, becoming the catalyst in generating over £6bn of national and international investment for the redevelopment across major parts of central London.
Speaking on the announcement of her Honour, Ruth commented:
“I am incredibly humbled to have been given this honour. This award is testament to the fantastic achievements of the BIDs and business partnerships I have been involved with over the years. I believe it demonstrates that public / private partnership is vital to London’s continued success and is more important than ever in these rather uncertain times.
“I see every day the significant force for good that BIDs in London have become, working side by side with innovative and vastly experienced business leaders and visionary public servants and politicians. It’s a busy, fast moving world, but I thrive on our continued ability to make a difference, transforming communities and helping to make London the great global city it is. I’d like to thank all the businesses I have worked with over the years – their support and commitment to the partnership agenda has made this achievement today possible.”
Ruth’s OBE reflects the important role that BIDs and business partnerships are now playing in the ‘public’ realm, especially in the capital. This summer she will run her latest BID ballot – for the Victoria Westminster proposed BID – and the appetite for BIDs is showing no sign of waning. To the contrary, BIDs are now powerful and strategic bodies, representing thousands of businesses across London and able to work collaboratively with the public sector to deliver real change.
