NE1 boss to step down after 11 years of championing Newcastle businesses

A North East chief executive has announced he is stepping down after 11 years with the business.

Adrian Waddell, the boss of business improvement district (BID) company, NE1 Ltd, will remain in post for the next six months managing Newcastle city centre’s reopening following the coronavirus lockdown.

NE1, which was the UK’s largest BID when it was established in 2009, is now looking to appoint Adrian’s replacement.

Adrian will continue to work with the NE1 team to ensure a smooth hand-over to his successor over the summer.

NE1 is halfway through its third BID term and has worked throughout the COVID-19 crisis to give a voice to businesses, lobbying Government for much-needed support for sectors hardest hit by lockdown restrictions.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement about the roadmap out of lockdown, Adrian decided it was a good time to announce his intention to step down and give the NE1 board time to look for his successor before the BID renewal process begins in 2023.

He said: “This last year has been very challenging for city businesses, almost across the board.

“Now that we are hopefully over the worst, NE1 is looking forward to the future and is in a strong position to tackle the challenges facing the city, post-COVID, along with making the most of the new opportunities that will undoubtedly emerge.

“With the path ahead looking more optimistic, it was the right time to step down, leaving the way clear for my successor to shape the next, exciting chapter for NE1 and the city.”

Adam Serfontein, chair of the board of NE1 Ltd, added: “Adrian has been a passionate and committed Chief Executive who has done a great job navigating NE1 and the team through what has been one of the most difficult years in business history.

“In his role as chief executive and prior to that as operations director of NE1, he has accrued an impressive track record in delivering major milestone projects that have helped shape the city.

“NE1 and the city have benefited from Adrian’s passion and commitment and we wish him well for the future.”