A “new era” is being heralded for Ilford Town Centre as it tasks a man with helping the area to thrive.

Ben Collins has been appointed manager of the Ilford Business Improvement District (BID), which encompasses almost 500 town centre businesses.

Each business pays a levy to the improvement district, which equates to about 1.2 per cent of their business rates.

Since the BIDs launch in 2009, the town centre has been given its own police team and the visual appearance of the pedestrianised area has been transformed.

Mr Collins, who will start his new role on October 8, has experience in overseeing BIDs in London and East Anglia.

He said: “The Ilford BID already enjoys a reputation in the industry as one that is delivering real benefits for its businesses and my aim is to ensure that the BID delivers even more going forward, working closely alongside the businesses.

“My priority is to meet with the businesses and find out which of the projects the BID is delivering they particularly like and where they feel the priorities should be for the BID going forward.

“The BID is delivering a range of services from additional policing, events and planting to Christmas lights and enhanced cleaning but it is imperative to get feedback from the town centre businesses on all aspects of the BIDs projects.”

Mr Collins added: “Ilford is a dynamic and cosmopolitan town and my aim is to showcase all it has to offer and ensure that people are making the most of what’s on offer.”

He takes over the management of the BID from Neil Davis, who left the post earlier this year “to pursue other interests”.

Marc Myers, chairman of the Ilford BID, said: “The Ilford Town BID is pleased to welcome Ben on board and look forward to a really exciting future with him. His BID pedigree is of real value to Ilford.”