Alison Dewey

Experience

• 

  Southend on Sea Borough Council

  Feb 2003 - Nov 2012

  Assisted the transitioning from a local Town Centre Partnership to Southend’s first Business Improvement District (BID), securing the first BID in Essex.Supported businesses and stakeholders throughout the BID development process, ensuring long-term investment in town centre improvements.Helped to deliver various small and large-scale town centre events and festivals, including the Christmas Light Switch-On, Chinese New Year Celebrations and the Italian Festival - boosting visitor numbers and local engagement.Contributed to the development and implementation of place management initiatives, enhancing the town centre’s appeal and economic performance. Show less

  • Town Centre Officer

    Feb 2009 - Nov 2012

  • Procurement Assistant/Programme Office Development Officer

    Feb 2006 - Jan 2009

  • Leisure Culture & Amenities Finance Officer

    Feb 2003 - Mar 2006
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  Southend City BID

  Nov 2012 - Apr 2019

  Led the development of Southend BID’s second Business Plan and renewal ballot campaign, securing a successful second five-year term.Oversaw the BID team and staff, ensuring effective delivery of projects and services that supported local businesses, events, and high street improvements.Managed key projects to enhance public spaces, improve safety, and boost Southend’s appeal to visitors and shoppers.Oversaw and expanded the Street Ranger team, improving security, tackling crime, and creating a safer environment for businesses and the public.Developed key partnerships with local businesses, Southend-on-Sea City Council, tourism bodies, and other partners, ensuring collaboration on town centre improvements.Developed and implemented marketing and destination branding strategies, positioning Southend as an attractive location for investment and tourism.Directed the planning and execution of large-scale events and initiatives, increasing footfall and driving economic activity in the town centre Show less Helped to establish and launch Southend BID, following the successful ballot to secure Southend’s first Business Improvement District.Worked closely with local businesses, stakeholders, and partners to develop BID-led initiatives that supported the town centre's offer and increased footfallAssisted in the development and launch of the Street Ranger team, a frontline initiative aimed at reducing crime, improving safety, and enhancing the visitor experience.Supported destination branding efforts, including the creation of a refreshed Southend brand and a new destination website to improve marketing and attract visitors.Assisted in the implementation of business engagement strategies, events, and marketing initiatives to enhance Southend’s retail and visitor economy.Supported the planning and delivery of large-scale town centre events, driving footfall and strengthening Southend’s identity as a vibrant destination Show less

  • Southend BID Manager

    Apr 2014 - Apr 2019

  • BID Co-ordinator

    Nov 2012 - Mar 2014
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  Southend-on-Sea City Council

  Apr 2019 - now

  Head of Culture & Tourism Strategy/Interim Head of Resort Services

  Play a central role in shaping Southend’s strategic approach Southend’s strategic direction for tourism, culture, resorts, and events, delivering major projects that enhance the visitor economy and raise the city's profile as a vibrant, welcoming destination.Developed and authored Southend’s Tourism and Culture Strategies, aligning them with Southend 2050 ambitions to drive long-term economic and cultural impact.Created and oversee the city’s flagship events, including LuminoCity, Southend City Jam, Halloween Parade, City Day, and Armed Forces Day.Led the development of Southend’s refreshed place brand, positioning the city as a creative, dynamic destination.Oversee “Visit Southend”, the city’s destination marketing brand and associated channels, with the aim of inspiring visits and driving tourism growth.Oversee the operation and development of key visitor assets, including Southend Pier, the Visitor Information Centre, the Cliff Lift, and the city’s seven miles of coastline.Responsible for maintaining national Blue Flag and Seaside Award accreditations, and ensuring safe, high-quality beach environments for residents and visitors.Liaise with regulatory and enforcement bodies including the MOD, PLA, RNLI, HM Coastguard, Natural England, and others to ensure that Southend’s coastline is safely managed and accessible for all.Manage a £2.4m budget and a seasonal workforce of up to 40+ staff, ensuring cost-effective, high-impact delivery of resort and visitor services.Develop and maintain strong partnerships with Southend BID, tourism and hospitality businesses, event organisers, and national forums, promoting investment and collaboration.Secure external funding and commercial opportunities to support and expand the city’s cultural and tourism offer.Oversee city centre management functions, delivering initiatives to improve public realm, support high street vitality, and encourage local spend. Show less