New hires to strengthen member support and shape future five-year plan
Go Forth Stirling BID has appointed Joanne Williams and Caitlin Wilson as Business Engagement Managers to enhance support for its members and help businesses develop proposals for the next five-year term. Ms Williams, a former Living Lerwick BID manager and a Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero Award winner, and University of Stirling graduate Ms Wilson began meeting business owners last week.
Ms Williams is an experienced BID manager, having joined Living Lerwick as a Project Assistant eight years ago.
Last year, she was named the Islands High Street Hero in the annual Scotland Loves Local Awards for her work championing Lerwick businesses. Award judges recognised her passion for supporting business owners. Ms Williams has prior knowledge of Stirling, having lived and worked in the area for 17 years.
Ms Wilson has lived, worked, and studied in Stirling for the past six years. She studied Law and Business at the University of Stirling before completing an MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Ms Wilson also has experience in the hospitality sector from working at city venues, including Stirling Highland Hotel and Slanj A Va, and most recently at the Cold Beer Company, where she will continue to work for two days a week alongside her new role.
The new managers will assist businesses in utilising Go Forth’s services, developing their In Stirling profiles, and taking advantage of the forthcoming Stirling Gift Card.
They will also gather business views on future services and priorities as the BID prepares for renewal consultation. Ms Williams will focus on conversations with businesses in potential expansion areas, while Ms Wilson will primarily work with existing city centre members. Both will help owners access current support, including HR advice, online training, Retailers Against Crime membership, and the In Stirling digital hub.
Go Forth Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Joanne and Caitlin. Joanne brings valuable BID experience, while Caitlin combines communication skills with first-hand knowledge of Stirling’s business community. Their appointments strengthen our capacity to work directly with businesses, helping members make the most of our services and ensuring their priorities inform our work. As we continue delivering our current programme and prepare the next BID proposition, they will play an important role in listening to businesses and helping us shape a five-year plan that reflects what they need.”
Ms Williams commented: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and am looking forward to getting to know Stirling’s business owners and finding out exactly what they want from the BID – what’s important to them and how we can best support them.”
Ms Wilson added: “The Go Forth role offered a fantastic opportunity for me to use the skills I learned during my two degrees, as well as my direct experience working for local businesses. I love living in Stirling and am keen to engage with the city’s business owners – many of whom I already know from spending time in local shops, bars and cafes. I’m interested to hear what they want from the BID and how the BID can work for them.”
These appointments occur as Go Forth prepares to consult businesses on proposals for a further five-year BID term from 2027 to 2032, ahead of a renewal ballot proposed for June 2027. The consultation will allow businesses to shape what the BID delivers, how it operates, and the area it serves.
Potential expansion areas being explored include Springkerse, Kildean, Causewayhead, St Ninians, and King’s Park, with business feedback informing the final proposals.
Go Forth Stirling is the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), representing 435 levy-paying businesses. It aims to deliver practical support, promote the city centre, and invest in initiatives to make Stirling a safer, more welcoming place to work, shop, and visit.
