2015 will offer even more opportunities for growth in the retail property sector, according to new BCSC president and chief executive of Hammerson, David Atkins, speaking at the BCSC Annual Dinner and Presentation of the Gold Awards.
Mark Bourgeois was announced as Junior Vice President, joining Suzi Clay as Vice President. Mark will become BCSC President in 2017.
The evening brought close to 1000 of the industry’s leading figures together to celebrate the year’s successes and to welcome the new presidential line-up.
David says: “I am greatly looking forward to assuming the role of president at a time when the economy is improving and trading for retailers is showing positive signs of recovery. BCSC is undergoing its own period of growth and renewal – adapting its offer to serve effectively our ever-changing industry and putting the spotlight on a sector that contributes extensively to the UK economy. Over the course of my term, I will ensure that retail property gets a fair hearing with national decision makers on important issues, especially during 2015 which with the General Election could see huge change.”
New junior vice president, Mark Bourgeois, is the executive director responsible for UK property at Capital & Regional. He brings extensive experience as asset manager, investor and developer. He has also been engaged in BCSC’s awards programme, rewarding best practice in the retail property sector as chair of the BCSC Gold Awards Jury.
Mark says: “There has never been a more important time for our industry to stand together, share knowledge and celebrate its achievements as retail property continues to evolve and position itself at the heart of the multichannel marketplace. I look forward to the coming three years as part of a stellar presidential team at BCSC with a shared aim of positive change for our sector and its trade body.”
The evening also offered the industry the opportunity to thank the outgoing president, Tom Meager, for his year’s service as he handed the baton on to David Atkins.
Addressing the industry, Tom said: “BCSC is evolving and is now developing a refreshed business strategy that aligns to the changing requirements of our dynamic and fast-changing retail property industry. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all members for their continued commitment and support of what is their own industry body as it continues to represent and promote the best of UK retail property, both nationally and internationally.”
