Farewell to '˜inspiring' Lesley - Chair steps down from BBI role

One of the leading figures to help attract millions of vistors to Brighouse and helped businesses thrive is to step down from her position.
John Buxton and Lesley Adams in Commercial Street, Brighouse.John Buxton and Lesley Adams in Commercial Street, Brighouse.
John Buxton and Lesley Adams in Commercial Street, Brighouse.

Lesley Adams, chair of the Brighouse Business Initiative, is to resign her position due to personal circumstances.

Steven Lord, from the BBI said: “Lesley’s contribution to this has been nothing less than inspirational. Her calm confident approach to any problem, when all around were starting to panic, meant that these Brighouse events were always great successes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The BBI would like to take this opportunity to put on record their gratitude to Lesley for leading this group to achievements which only four years ago we could not possibly even imagine.”

“Importantly these events have created a wonderful community spirit in Brighouse which simply was not there a few years ago. Not only that, the BBI has brought together retailers whom prior to that very much kept themselves to themselves. She always led from the front and as a leader of the BBI she will be irreplaceable and sorely missed.”

It all started when, after many meetings with business owners generating little progress, Lesley, with her partner Warren, stepped forward into the position of chair of the BBI with the single aim of promoting business in Brighouse.

Since then she has helped put Brighouse firmly on the map creating events such as the Brighouse 1940’s Weekend, The Victorian Christmas Weekend and The Brighouse canal and music festival. She also co-ordinated national celebrations such as the street party to celebrate the Queens Jubilee and covering Commercial Street with grass as the Olympic Torchcame to the town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Added to these events, Lesley has coordinated many new initiatives such as Incredible Edible in town, Grand Central Ambassadors, Friends of Brighouse Station at the Railway Station and the Brighouse Cinema.

Lesley, who also runs her own business Simply Flowers, said it has been a real team effort in putting the events together. “It’s been amazing and a privelege to work with some amazing people. Together we have done some fantastic things.

“I don’t think any of us could have imagined what we have achieved.

“I just want to thank all the business and I have made some fantastic friends who have been incredibly supportive of each other.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“A special thanks needs to go out to everyone who visits the town as it is all about them.

“I am leaving the group in very capable hands.”

Following her resignation, the Brighouse Business Initiative are holding an extraordinary meeting on Thursday January 28, 6pm, at Pregos restaurant.

It will be open to anybody who would like to come along and here about how they can volunteer to help with the organising and running of the Brighouse events and the BBI’s mission to promote Brighouse.

It is hoped that many new people will come forward to help with the many events planned for 2016 in Brighouse.

Please ring John Buxton, 01484 711835, for more information.