Chartered accountant Eddi Taylor joined the board of Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID).

Eddi is a Regional Managing Partner for UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets in the South East and leads the firm’s Canterbury team from its Watling Street offices.

Canterbury BID is a business-led, business-funded partnership, which undertakes to make improvements in the city centre area to drive economic growth. The BID’s vision is for Canterbury to realise its full potential as an award winning, vibrant and desirable destination, setting the example that other cities want to follow.

Eddi said:

“I was both pleased and humbled to become part of the Canterbury BID board. This important organisation works tirelessly on behalf of the city’s businesses to make Canterbury a better place in which to live and work."

“I am determined to play a full part in the BID’s vital work which helps our city to thrive by supporting the city’s business community in generating positive change. I take real pride in Canterbury, and through my current role with Azets in the city I have a particular passion for local business and supporting them to achieve their goals."

“My two main roles in Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, add value to the BID board – I advise owner-managed businesses on their finances and general strategy as well as heading a team of dedicated and hard-working colleagues to drive our own business forward.”

Eddi, who started his career as a trainee in the Ashford office of Wilkins Kennedy, was last year named in the prestigious Accountancy Age 35 Under 35 rankings for a second time. He is well known across the Kent and South East market for his broad sector experience and his particular insight into the property and construction, manufacturing and hospitality arenas.

Azets Canterbury is located inside the Old City walls, and a short walk from the cathedral. The team provides a range of services tailored to businesses of all scales, encompassing sole traders to limited companies.

Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) is an independent, business-led, not-for-profit initiative voted for by the businesses of Canterbury in July 2014, July 2019 and again in July 2024 for another five-year term.

Gemma Purt, Partner in the city office of Girlings Solicitors and Head of its Family Law Department, was last month appointed as the new Chair of the Canterbury BID board. She took over from Paul Turner, Chief Operating Officer of the Marlowe Theatre, who acted as Interim Chair for 16 months.

Nationally, there are more than 350 BIDs in the UK, including three in Kent (Canterbury was the first), investing over £154 million every year, giving business an independent voice and investing in business-led initiatives.

The BID is operated by a team led by a voluntary Board of Directors, representing the businesses who operate in the city, and including designated positions for the city’s large institutions and observers from residents’ groups and Kent Police. Each of them volunteers more than 40 hours of their time each year.

Azets is continuing its community involvement with Jessica Barry, Director in Accounts and Business Advisory in the Canterbury office, becoming a trustee of Canterbury Festival, Kent’s leading arts festival.

Jessica, who specialises in supporting owner-managed businesses, particularly within the property and construction sector, is one of four new appointments to the revamped Trustee Board.

She uses her 10 years of regional experience to provide expertise, advice and support to the festival, which this year is being staged from 16 to 31 October. Visit here.