Shropshire Festivals owner takes lead role on Shropshire Business Board
Beth Heath, owner of the award-winning events company, Shropshire Festivals, has been appointed the chair of the Shropshire Business Board, taking over from Paul Bennett.
In the same month the events aficionada has also become the chairwoman for the region’s destination management organisation – Visit Shropshire.
The Shropshire Business Board is a business-led, joint private and public sector board. Its main purpose is to be responsible, with Shropshire Council and partners, for the joint delivery of the new Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy and to act as ambassadors for the county.
Mrs Heath is somewhat of an expert at keeping more than one plate spinning – she simultaneously manages Shropshire Festivals, marketing and design agency Shropshire ThinkTank, online shop Shropshire Hamper Company, and lectures at University Centre Shrewsbury on events management, along with looking after two young children, two dogs and a herd of sheep.
She describes taking the helm at two of the county’s key boards as a huge honour. She said: “I am immensely proud to be taking on the role of chairwoman for both boards. Initially it felt a bit daunting, but I truly relish the challenge.
“I have been on the business board for three years now and seen first-hand all the brilliant things it has achieved. I want to raise the profile of the board, so more businesses tap into its resources and ability to drive change in economic policy making. This is an important time to be driving forward the voice of Shropshire businesses, especially those who have been impacted by Covid.
“Hospitality and tourism are undeniably two of the hardest hit sectors, so I hope that by becoming chair of Visit Shropshire as well, my passion for the visitor economy will be a catalyst to help navigate these businesses in a positive direction.
“Through the work of both boards I want to champion Shropshire as a thriving place to live, work, visit, learn and invest in, to people within and outside the county’s borders. I have always said I love this county and the network of brilliant businesses it encompasses. I hope that by stepping into these roles I have proved I’m a woman of my word.”
