SUNDERLAND BID has expanded its team, with two new appointments.
North Yorkshire-born Kayleigh Derbyshire has taken up the role of marketing and communications assistant, while Hena Syeda Ahmed has been named as executive assistant and office administrator.
Kayleigh worked in student accommodation and social housing after leaving Sunderland University but discovered a passion for marketing, going back to studying to gain a relevant qualification.
It is those skills she will now bring to the BID, which she revealed will give her a real opportunity to be involved in the city.
“I absolutely love Sunderland,” she said.
“It really is home now and watching how the city has developed in the time I have lived here has been great, so I really wanted to be a part of that development.”
Hena has come to the BID after six years with Sunderland business agency, Ashmore Consulting.
A graduate from Sunderland University, her experience spans everything from volunteering and community work to customer service, events organising and administrative duties.
“It’s lovely to be part of the BID team and being in a position to help change people’s perceptions of Sunderland and show them the experiences the city has to offer,” she said.
“There are so many positive things happening, it’s a great time to be involved.”
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said that both Kayleigh and Hena will be a huge asset.
“We are heading to one of our busiest years to date with a packed programme of activities right through to December,” she said.
“So it’s really important we have the right people in place to help us deliver all of our events.
“Both Kayleigh and Hena know the city well and, even more importantly, have a real passion for Sunderland and we know they are the perfect fit for the BID.”