About Us

Allan Gordon, the Managing Director at National Regional Property Group, brings an abundance of knowledge in the Development and Construction marketplace to the Southampton Business Improvement District Board of Directors. After accumulating over 40 years of expertise working for construction contracting companies, Allan also established MDM Ltd, a consultancy firm focused on the South's development and construction sector.

As a large developer in Southampton, National Regional Property Group's objective is to deliver high-quality and sustainable residential and mixed-use developments that align with the city's regeneration program.

With National Regional Property Group pioneering the first Private Rented Sector residential scheme in the South, consisting of 280 flats on a former fruit market site in the city centre of Southampton, Allan's contributions to the Board invaluably drives further regeneration initiatives. His experience and progressive approach aids in fostering sustainable growth and development in the city, making him a significant asset to the Board's efforts.

Category: Landowner

As the owner and founder of STAKKS Pancake House, established in 2015, I represent the small and independent businesses in the city. I believe that the BID and its main objectives are to improve local businesses, community and the city experience overall and I am proud to contribute to those changes. My main goal as the Board Director is to ensure that those objectives are met, to bring up the issues and struggles of small local businesses on behalf of my peers and to contribute positively.

I believe that Southampton can and should be brighter and better, as this city's potential is immense.

Category: Small Business

Caroline Osman is the owner and Managing Director of W. J. French & Son. She is the 8th generation of her family to run the award-winning shoe shop, which has been trading in Southampton for over 200 years. Caroline had a career as a Chartered Surveyor before moving back to her home town of Southampton in 2014 to run the family business. She helps communicate the challenges that face independent businesses and the opportunities they could benefit from. Caroline has been a member of the board since 2016 and chairs the Greater City Centre Experience theme group.

Category: Small Business

“I can see the positive changes that are being brought about by the BID and I am really pleased to be able to represent the night time economy as another important element of Southampton’s fantastic offer.”

Category: Small Business [Fewer than 250 employees]
Gary also represents the night time economy.

Greg Baker is the Chief Executive Officer of Saints Foundation, the charity of Southampton Football Club, as well as Director of Community at the club itself. Prior to taking on his current position, he held roles including Sports Partnership Manager at Comic Relief and Regional Community Manager at the English Football League Trust. He grew up in Southampton, and remains a big advocate for the city and its communities.

Category: Large Business [250+ employees]

“GO! Southampton is a great driving force to help attract and grow the business community within the city. As a prominent employer in the heart of Southampton we are excited to work together with other like-minded businesses to make a real difference to the appearance, vibrancy and heartbeat of a truly historic waterfront city.”

Category: Large Business (250+ employees)

Womble Bond Dickinson can trace its roots in Southampton back to 1646 and is proud to support GO! Southampton. Personally, I have lived and worked in Southampton most of my life and I am passionate about helping the city realise its full potential as a world class city. The BID is a great opportunity to bring together people and ideas to deliver tangible change within the city and to help deliver on that potential.

Category: Large Business [250+ employees]

Seb has worked for John Lewis for 35 years in different roles across the UK. He came to Southampton as branch manager at the start of the lockdown and is now delighted to be leading a shop that is open to the public! John Lewis is the UK's largest employee owned business and the Southampton branch employs nearly 600 "Partners". Seb has now settled, with his young family, in the New Forest. His partner, Laura was born in the area and her family are still local. More than enough motivation for him to play his part in making the City the best it can be to all visitors.

Category: Large Business [205+ employees]

Spencer is the founder of Southampton based speciality coffee and brunch pioneers Mettricks, established in 2013 in the city centre. He was a founding director and vice chair of GO! Southampton, with a particular interest in ensuring entrepreneurial, small business and visionary voices were prominent in shaping the future of our city and business community. He chaired the Great City Centre Experience theme group for three years and played a key role in developing early accountability and strong collaborative relationships with city stakeholders. He has lived in the city centre since 2008, having grown up in the city, so has “skin in the game” and remains as passionate as ever to see this city of potential actually start to deliver on it.

Category: Small Business [Fewer than 250 employees]

Sue Littlemore is Director of Civic University at the University of Southampton, where she is bringing to life the University’s ambition to maximise its positive impact on the prosperity and success of our Central South region. Sue has a strong background in both economic development and communications having held senior leadership roles at Enterprise M3 LEP and having had a very successful first career as a BBC Correspondent in national TV and radio.

Category: Strategic Agencies

Tim Keeping is a commercial property manager for Workman LLP, managing retail and leisure properties for both private and institutional investors, one of which is The Marlands Shopping Centre in Southampton. Prior to moving into commercial property, Tim had a long career in department store retail and was a store director for nine years. As a result of this background, he possesses valuable insights into property management, lease administration, and commercial real estate as well as a sound understanding of the retail business.

Tim was a founding director of GO! Southampton, initially as Vice Chair of the steering group established to form the business improvement district, taking over as Chair of the first board of directors in 2017. He has been actively involved in the city's development over the past 11 years and has a deep understanding of the BID area and is passionate about the opportunities the city offers.

Tim is also Trustee of Southampton Forward, formerly known as the Southampton Culture Trust, the body responsible for bidding to be UK City of Culture 2025, which the city narrowly missed out on winning behind Bradford. This further exemplifies his dedication to the city's progress in all aspects, ensuring that the city centre thrives, benefitting all businesses, whether independent retailers or multinational corporations.

Category: Landowner

After moving to the UK in 2018, Christina considers Southampton as her home away from home. Originally trained as a nurse, Christina has enjoyed working with the public across a variety of clinical settings. After discovering a passion for marketing, Christina has previously worked for an ecommerce business in the pet industry before joining our team at GO! Southampton. She is excited to support BID businesses and share her passion for the city through her work.

Debbi is Southampton based and has gained over 17 years of Customer Service experience in both the retail and hospitality sectors. Her role as a Street Ranger is both diverse and rewarding, from reporting environmental issues to welcoming and directing tourists. No 2 days are ever the same! She hopes to make a real difference to the City so that Southampton is an even better place to work, live and visit.

Flo joined the team after finishing her Masters degree at Solent University in Journalism and Multimedia Communications in 2019. Prior to this Flo completed her Undergraduate degree in Multimedia Journalism at Solent and therefore holds strong written and communication skills. Flo lived in Southampton for 10 years and loves working in the city. She manages the small (but mighty) Marketing team of two, delivering exciting campaigns and projects throughout the year. 

As Director of Placemaking, Gemma’s focus is on how people move around the city, and the welcome into the city. From Southampton promotion at Southampton Airport, to public realm activation, Gemma is keen to make sure people explore the whole of the city, rather than pass through it.

Before joining our team, Gemma worked in both private and public sectors in Southampton, including a community development scheme in Thornhill which showed her the importance of communities and long-term investment.

As a proud Southampton resident, the GO! Southampton mission is very important to her. She is passionate about having a positive impact on her home city and its businesses/organisations. Outside of work, Gemma enjoys the creative community in Southampton, specifically the arts, writing and gig scene.

Jade is a City resident and is passionate about making a difference for local businesses, residents, and visitors alike. She will be delivering the Evening and Night-Time Economy Strategy and leading on Clean City Centre.

Before joining the team, Jade has worked in Local Government Economic Development for nearly 10 years. Purple Flag and Night-time Economy is an area she is well experienced in and this is a key focus of her role. Ensuring the streets of Southampton stay safe, particularly for women and girls is of high priority, especially having two young girls of her own.

Jessica began her career in the leisure sector in Southampton, progressing through customer service and management roles before moving into operations and talent development positions that took her across the UK. She has also gained valuable experience within the heritage and culture sector across Hampshire, reinforcing her passion for delivering community-centred impact.

Returning to work in Southampton feels especially meaningful for Jessica as she is proud to be contributing to the ongoing mission to continuously improve the city centre and is looking forward to meeting and working with BID members and partners.

Rishi has over 15 years experience developing relationships and adding value across the public and private sectors. Managing the implementation of a national buying group to over 100 Business Improvement Districts, Rishi and his team at Place Support Partnership bring extensive knowledge of the energy, water, telecoms and merchant commodities providing businesses with expert advice, market intelligence, unrivalled support and choice.

Stephen’s varied experience includes award-winning Beamish, the largest open-air museum in Europe, developing Alnwick and Arundel castles into world-class tourist destinations and developing a heritage gateway for Northampton town centre. He focuses on the importance of high-quality visitor experiences which bring benefits to the city’s businesses and residents.

Stuart joined the team after 25 years in the Police and, before that, 7 years in Customs and Excise. His background includes operational roles focused on licensing, community safety, risk management, incident response and safeguarding. Stuart works closely with partner agencies and businesses to manage safety and security concerns in the city. If you see him out and about he will always find time to talk with businesses about making the city safer. Living locally with his family, Stuart is committed to ensuring Southampton remains a safe, welcoming and well-supported city for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Before joining our team at GO! Southampton, Tatenda gained experience in different countries in a wide variety of sectors from hospitality to the health industry. From this experience, Tatenda has an incredible ability to understand diverse cultures and business structures. She is proud to be a part of the BID which creates a hub of businesses and generates change for Southampton city centre.

Tom moved to Southampton in 2019 and joined the team as the first internal finance manager at GO! Southampton bringing the finances in house.

Before joining the BID, Tom has gained experience in finance across a range of different industries.  Originally trained as a Management Accountant in the NHS, he then worked in Finance Consultancy roles in international development across east Africa. Returning to the UK he undertook Accountancy jobs in the oil and manufacturing industry.  Tom is proud to be a member of the BID and he has a real passion in supporting people and businesses to develop Southampton's city centre.

GO! Southampton supports businesses with shop theft and anti-social behaviour issues as well as working alongside other agencies to help improve the safety of Southampton City Centre.

Our Security Team is provided by the third-party agency ASEL. With many years of experience in the field, the team have acquired the skills to support all businesses and sectors within the BID. Their friendly approach and knowledgeable support help keep the city safe and an enjoyable experience - all contributing to the Purple Flag accreditation.

Businesses can contact the team on 07389 030098 or through our SBCP radio scheme.

Working hours:
Monday - Thursday - 10am - 7pm
Friday & Saturday - 9am - 7pm
Sunday - 11am - 5pm

Martin and Jim are part of the fantastic GO! Southampton cleansing team which was launched in partnership with Southampton City Council.