Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of spearheading the marketing efforts at WeAreWaterloo. During this time, I have developed a deep understanding of placemaking, place marketing and place activation and the essential role BIDs have in this space.

I love that my job affords me the opportunity to share authentic stories in creative ways, particularly in Waterloo – an area close to mine and my family’s hearts. Uncovering its hidden gems and watching different audiences fall in love with its quirks is a true passion of mine, and we’re enjoying experimenting with new platforms such as TikTok and micro-influencers to push the ‘Waterloo’ letter further and foster meaningful engagement for our levy payers.

Now, as the Chair of the Place Marketing Working Group, I am excited to create a friendly space where members can come together to share expertise, best practice and troubleshoot regularly. I'm so looking forward to getting started!

Stephanie is the Executive Director of BID Leamington, a business-led partnership delivering projects and services aimed at enhancing the trading environment in Royal Leamington Spa. She is a High Street Task Force expert and sits on the BID Foundation Leadership Council and the Association of Town and City Management Advisory Council.

Prior to this Stephanie worked for both the private and public sector on multi-disciplinary planning and strategic development projects in the UK and abroad. She is originally from New Zealand and has a first-class honours degree in Resource and Environmental Planning and a Master's degree in Public Administration – Global Diversity Governance, which she completed in 2020 with distinction. Stephanie is passionate about working together to build sustainable, inclusive, connected and resilient places.