The candidates listed below are running for a position on the Canterbury BID Board following a nomination process that ran from 19 to 30 May 2025.
An online election will take place from 30 June to 10 July 2025 to select seven new BID Board Directors. This process gives all BID members an opportunity to vote on who will represent them on the BID Board.
Voting instructions will be posted out to the business address of each eligible business on Friday 20 June. An eligible business is any business who is liable for the BID levy in the Canterbury BID area. The voting instructions include the voting website address and login information which is unique to each business, so please keep an eye out for it.
There are eleven candidates listed in alphabetical order below.
The Candidates
Name: Alanna Kite
Business: Go To Places (Visit Kent), Best Lane
Position: Head of Partnerships
Sector representation: Visitor Economy
Category: Independent
Bio: Alanna has spent over 14 years working in the travel, tourism, and leisure sector, helping places thrive by attracting visitors and building strong partnerships. As Head of Partnerships at Go To Places (Visit Kent), she works closely with local councils, businesses, and cultural organisations to boost footfall and support the wider economy. Her role involves leading destination campaigns, securing funding and bringing businesses together to solve shared challenges.
Statement: Having worked and supported the Kent visitor economy for 14 years, I’ve promoted Canterbury and its fascinating destination appeal the world over. In addition to championing Visit Canterbury activity, I’d love to support it more closely, offering insight, advice and my own knowledge and passion to help overcome challenges and drive growth for Canterbury to thrive. I know how much potential Canterbury has, not just as a visitor destination, but as a vibrant place to live, work, study and do business. I’d love the chance to bring my experience, energy, and local connections to the BID Board to help shape the future of the city together.
Name: Dhvani Patel
Business: KPGP Services, Upper Bridge Street
Position: Owner
Sector representation: Health
Category: Independent
Bio: As the founder and co-owner of a private GP practice in Canterbury, Dhvani is committed to bridging the healthcare gap and empowering individuals to take control of their health. With a rich background in radiography in London and Kent, she recognises the need for an uplift in healthcare quality and promoting preventative care. Having moved from London, she cherishes Canterbury’s rich English culture, its evolving diversity, and the strong sense of community. Passionate about community and collaboration, she is thrilled to contribute to Canterbury’s health journey, witnessing the transformative power of preventative measures and people coming together.
Statement: I consider myself well-suited for this role due to my British Indian background and my experience in a sector that is underrepresented within the BID. The fields of health and wellbeing are rapidly gaining attention, as the population increasingly prioritises these concerns as well as their personal health. In 2021 I launched my own business, successfully developing it into a high-quality service that benefits the community. My strengths lie in building relationships and effective communication, and I am confident that my leadership abilities will be demonstrated effectively.
Name: Eddi Taylor
Business: Azets, Watling Street
Job title: Regional Managing Partner
Sector representation: Business / Professional Services
Category: National
Bio: Eddi is a Chartered Accountant and the Managing Partner of the Azets Canterbury office, part of a top 10 firm of accountants. He divides his time between advising owner-managed businesses on all things finance, tax, growth, and strategy, and overseeing internal operations to ensure the firm runs efficiently, continues to grow, and supports the development of its people. In addition to his professional role, he serves as a trustee of a local charity, giving him valuable insight into the not-for-profit sector. He brings a collaborative, practical approach and is committed to making a positive contribution to local business.
Statement: Having arrived in Canterbury 15 years ago for University, I soon realised that this would be my home. I have a real passion for Canterbury, and through my current role as the Managing Partner of Azets Canterbury, I have a particular passion for local business and supporting local businesses to achieve their goals. My role in Azets is broken into two main parts, both of which I feel both could add value to the BID board. The first is client focused, advising owner-managed businesses on their finances and general strategy. The second is internal management, dealing with a team of staff and all that brings with it, and working with them to drive our own business forward. I have also sat as a trustee and treasurer of a local charity for the last 8 years, giving me a better understanding of the not-for-profit world, and general board level experience.
Name: Gemma Purt
Business: Girlings Solicitors, Rose Lane
Job title: Head of Family Department / Partner / Solicitor
Sector representation: Business / Professional Services
Category: Independent
Bio: Gemma is Head of the Family Law Department for Girlings, where she has worked for nine years, and is a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer. She has the prestigious Law Society accreditation in Family Law as well as being a member of Resolution, a professional organisation for family lawyers that promotes a constructive approach to resolving matters. In addition to her legal role, she supports charities with pro bono advice; this includes the local Citizens Advice Bureau along with local mental health and domestic abuse charities. She also supports law students at the University of Kent where she provides a pro bono service at the University’s law clinic where her work is observed by law students to help them learn.
Statement: I have lived and worked in Canterbury for almost 30 years. I attended secondary school in the city and was a student at the University of Kent. Both my children are also educated at Canterbury schools. This demonstrates my lifelong connection to our beautiful, diverse and welcoming City. I am standing to be a BID member because I want the city to continue to thrive, and I believe I have the expertise to positively contribute to the development of the BID strategy. These nominations present an opportunity for me to offer my knowledge of the city and professional expertise to the Board. My work as the head of the Family Law department demonstrates my ability to work collaboratively, make swift and important decisions and to do so efficiently. I have developed my team to ensure we work creatively, sensitively and collaboratively with one another and show compassion to our clients.
Name: James Clague
Business: The Latchmere House Partnership, Watling Street
Job title: Owner and Director
Sector representation: Business / Professional Services
Category: Independent
Bio: James is an Architectural Technologist with decades of professional experience and a passion for Canterbury’s built environment. James began his architectural career at Clague LLP (founded by his grandfather John in 1935 and later led by his father Andrew). He then went on to found James Clague Architects, a practice that specialises in the sensitive restoration and development of historic buildings. In recent years, James has expanded his business interests, acquiring two highly respected Canterbury firms. These acquisitions formed the foundation of a larger vision: The Latchmere House Partnership. After refurbishing the historic Latchmere House on Watling Street, the building was established as the group’s headquarters and a symbol of James’s commitment to quality, heritage, and local enterprise. The partnership today includes James Clague Architects, BSF Consulting Engineers, Taylor Roberts, Elizabeth Nixon Interiors, Pro-Point Surveys, and Discovered By—together offering a comprehensive and collaborative property service in the heart of Canterbury.
Statement: Having been born and educated in Canterbury and having now built my business here, the city has and will continue to play a vital role in my life. It is time to give something back to the city and the community that have given me so much over the years. I feel I am able to contribute to the delivery of the BID’s Business Plan and its future initiatives to make Canterbury the best it can possibly be and a thriving place for business. I am deeply invested in Canterbury’s continued growth and prosperity. My professional focus on heritage preservation is matched by a personal drive to see the city thrive—economically, culturally, and architecturally. As a board member I would bring strategic insight, a strong network of local professionals, and a long-term vision rooted in respect for Canterbury’s past and ambition for its future.
Name: Jonathan Brothwell
Business: Pybus Opticians, Palace Street
Job title: Director
Sector representation: Health & Beauty
Category: Independent
Bio: Jon is Principal Optometrist and Director at Pybus Opticians Ltd on the King’s Mile in Canterbury and has owned the practice since 2013. He graduated from Aston University in 2001 with a BSc (hons) degree in Optometry having come from a family of opticians with his grandfather, mother, aunt and cousin all working in the profession. Jon is a member of the College of Optometrist and the Association of Optometrists and is the vice chairman of the Kent and Medway Local Optometric Committee. Owning an independent opticians was always his dream, being able to deliver the best service and care to patients whilst working with wonderful colleagues every day in a fantastic location.
Statement: I have been a keen supporter of the BID since its conception, whilst running a business in Canterbury for the past 12 years. I understand the difficulties businesses face in Canterbury and appreciate the benefits a BID can provide. I look forward to the opportunity of working with the BID in helping to shape its direction to make Canterbury the best place to do business whilst also representing the King’s Mile and my business sector.
Name: Owen Vanstone-Hallam
Business: Leverets Advocacy Limited, The Precincts
Job title: Consultant Solicitor
Sector representation: Business / Professional Services
Category: Independent
Bio: Owen is a solicitor specialising in commercial disputes and insolvency. Having worked at a London firm, he moved to Leverets in Sevenoaks before opening its Canterbury office in 2022. He has been an active member of the BID and is keen to continue its great work making Canterbury a fantastic place to work, shop, eat and enjoy.
Statement: As an active BID member and Canterbury resident, I care deeply about our city, communities and economy, and I have the skills and experience to be a proactive board member. When Leverets opened its office in Canterbury in 2022, I joined the BID to support its networking events and meetings, learning about its excellent work and engaging with the membership. I am passionate about improving Canterbury as a great place to live, work, shop, eat and enjoy – it is where we have chosen to raise our family. I want to carry on the BID’s work developing Canterbury through delivering the BID’s services and events, and engaging with local government. I am a commercial solicitor with a broad range of skills and experience in disputes, governance and insolvency. I am keen to use my experience to give back to the local business community.
Name: Philip Collins
Business: Oliver Bonas
Job title: General Manager
Sector representation: Retail
Category: National
Bio: Philip has two decades of experience in retail, brand development, and stakeholder engagement across some of the UK’s most recognisable high street brands. His role as General Manager for Oliver Bonas in Canterbury saw him leading the successful launch of the brand’s largest store in the Southeast, overseeing recruitment, localised product strategy and a high-performing team through its inaugural trading period. Previous roles have included a pivotal role in shaping Ted Baker’s most profitable sales channel within John Lewis & Partners nationally, where he held leadership positions including UK Key Account Manager and Southern Regional Manager. He was also instrumental in developing Ted Baker’s first UK franchise model and tailoring buying and merchandising strategies to local markets. His career has been marked by a consistent ability to deliver significant results through collaborative leadership and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
Statement: I am applying to join the Canterbury BID Board to represent the retail sector and contribute to the city’s ongoing success. With over 20 years of retail experience and currently serving as Store Manager at Oliver Bonas in Whitefriars, I understand the challenges and opportunities local retailers face. I bring additional governance and community engagement experience as a Parish Councillor for Petham, Director of Petham Parish Events CIC, and Non-Executive Director of a consultancy business, where I advise on marketing and CRM strategy. I also volunteer regularly in organising large-scale community events that support local businesses. I am passionate about place-making, collaboration, and supporting initiatives that drive footfall, improve safety, and strengthen Canterbury’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination. I would bring a practical, professional, and community-focused voice to the Board and am committed to ensuring the interests of the retail sector are heard and acted upon.
Name: Steven Flower
Business: Steven James Hairdressing
Job title: Director/Owner
Sector representation: Health & Beauty
Category: Independent
Bio: Steven is the owner of Steven James Hairdressing which has been in his family for five generations – starting in 1908, when Steven’s great grandfather, Henry Flower opened a barber’s shop in Palace Street. Steven has been running his own hairdressing business for 21 years.
Statement: My family has had a business presence in Canterbury since 1908, and I have lived and worked in the city for most of my life. For the past 21 years, I have owned and operated my own business here. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many changes — both positive and negative — and throughout it all, my passion for our city has remained strong. Through my work, I engage daily with a wide range of local residents and receive a great deal of feedback about the city centre and the community more broadly. I believe this local insight and experience could be of real value in helping to shape positive developments for Canterbury’s future.
Name: Vrinder Singh
Business: Manar Group Ltd t/as McDonald’s
Job title: Managing Director
Sector representation: Hospitality and Night Time Economy
Category: Independent
Bio: Vrinder is a seasoned businessman currently operating a McDonald’s franchise in Canterbury. With over 20 years of experience in business, Vrinder brings a strong background in logistics and construction to his role in the fast-food industry. His career has been defined by a hands-on, operations-focused approach, blending strategic thinking with practical know-how. Before entering the business world, Vrinder earned a degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies from university, giving him a broad perspective and strong communication skills that continue to inform his leadership style today. Vrinder aims to operate 3 restaurants in and around Canterbury city centre, employing close to 400 people from the local community and he is passionate about working with the local community to bring positive change to his adopted city.
Statement: As a new business owner in Canterbury, I am committed to working in my community for the best interests of its people and businesses. Our business currently employs over 150 people who live and work locally, and we serve thousands of locals on a weekly basis. I believe my role is to enhance everyone’s positive experience in the city and I can do this through my business and by forging partnerships with other local stakeholders. I wish to work with the BID to enhance youth programmes in Canterbury and surrounding areas and to increase security awareness locally. I am commercially and strategically minded having been in business for over 20 years. I believe I have well rounded set of skills and a personality that can have a positive impact on the Board. Coming from a diverse background I can also relate to the ever-diversifying nature of our city.
Name: Zoe Rodda
Business: Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC
Job title: CEO
Sector representation: Charitable / Social Enterprise
Category: Independent
Bio: Zoe has worked in social care since 1996 and in leadership since 2005, driven by a passion for inclusion, fairness, and community. In 2017, she founded Lily’s, blending her care background with a love of food and a mission to create opportunity for all. Today, Lily’s runs across five sites with a team of 20, delivering training and support that makes a real difference—powered by collaboration, connection, and cake.
Statement: As the founder of a thriving social enterprise in Canterbury city centre, which I’ve successfully run and scaled for over eight years, I bring deep, practical insight into the needs and aspirations of local businesses. My commitment to the city goes beyond commercial interests—I am passionate about Canterbury’s long-term vibrancy and prosperity. Through collaborative partnerships with schools, charities, and fellow traders, I’ve consistently demonstrated the value of inclusive, community-driven initiatives that benefit both people and place. I understand the challenges facing city centre businesses and have a proven track record of working constructively with others to find creative, sustainable solutions. Our enterprise model gives me a vested interest in the wider success of the city and every business in it, ensuring I bring empathy, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to Canterbury’s economic and social future. I would be proud to contribute this perspective as a BID board member.
