Meet the Board

 


Vicky Rogers

About:

I am Vicky Shakespeare, I joined Halesowen BID in Feb 2019 and have enjoyed every minute since the day I landed. My previous role as many will know was spent serving with West Midland Police as a Police Community Support Officer, the last 5 year I spent in Dudley Town Centre. In 2018 I was awarded the force Diamond award and gained the title ‘PCSO of the Year’ This then had me questioning myself, “Well, What now?”, well here I am!!

I am Mom to Max 18 and Katie 16 who are my world. They are both football mad, I therefore spend most of my time, being that embarrassing mom shouting on the side of the pitch, often joined by my crazy Cockapoo Coco. I enjoy walking, working out and spending time with my extended family and friends. I am partial to experimenting with different gin cocktails too.

I love my holidays, both sun and snow. I take great pleasure from popping on a pair of skis, ride the chairlift and try to make it down a mountain in one piece.
I enjoy cooking, not that I’m by any means ‘Masterchef’ but it’s usually edible. My signature dishes would be my homemade lasagne and lemon drizzle cake.
My favourite film would have to be Dirty Dancing, however when it comes to theatre, it would have to be Les Miserables.
I can’t start the day without a cup of tea and my favourite meal would be ham hock, mashed potato, peas and parsley sauce.

 


Ellie Hunt

                                                         About:

Hi there, I am the Halesowen BID Ambassador. With 5+ years’ experience, I very much enjoy being part of a hard-working team, achieving great results for the town. With a passion for building relationships, helping people, and being open to new ideas and training, every day is diverse. I enjoy the most working with people at all levels, and from all walks of life.

I am Halesowen raised, and live locally with my husband and 2 children. We enjoy holidays abroad, trips to the cinema, meals out, and precious family time. In my spare time, I really enjoy going to the theatre, and spending time with family and friends, as well as keeping fit and healthy.

Working together with our key partners, I look forward to seeing Halesowen BID continue to thrive in the future.


Andy Hancock

About: Andy serves as the Executive Pastor at Lifecentral Church and has called Halesowen home since beginning his role in 2012. While not originally from the area, Andy is deeply passionate about contributing to the growth and success of the town. Lifecentral Church is dedicated to supporting Halesowen in meaningful ways, and Andy’s position on the Halesowen BID board reflects this commitment. It is both an honour and a priority for the church to actively engage in the town’s development through this partnership.


James Morgan-Green 
About:
I am Head of Student Services at Halesowen College, where I have been employed for the last 19 years in various roles. I am from Hull originally but have been in the West Midlands since I was 19. I have worked alongside BID for a number of years and the students at the college have contributed to many events and initiatives including the Rowley Regus train station project and Halesowen in bloom. I am married with 2 daughters and 3 cats and love outdoor swimming, no matter what the weather. I am proud to be on the BID board and have a passion for working with young people on community projects. 


Peter Hunt

  About: Peter is the owner of Moneywatch Finance who provide independent mortgage & insurance advice on all aspects of buying a home, financing & protecting the home & family, he qualified as a financial adviser in 1990, he is also the finance expert for channel 4’s Grand Designs show.

 


Mat McSwiggan

About: With over 25 years of experience in Commercial Business Insurance, I’m proud to be part of the Norton Insurance Group, where I continue to support local businesses through tailored insurance solutions.

Outside of work, I’m a passionate football fan—you’ll often find me on the terraces at Halesowen Town, or travelling the country to cheer on my son, Shae. I also enjoy getting involved in charity challenges, including mountain climbs, wing walks, parachute jumps, and abseiling. From time to time, I lend a hand as a compère at local events.

I’ve been part of the Halesowen community for more than 20 years and joined the BID team in November 2021. As a Director of Halesowen BID, I’m proud to play a role in helping the town thrive—ensuring it remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place to visit, shop, eat, and enjoy. Long may the BID continue!

 


Graham Hyde

 

About: Graham, with 33 years of experience in Financial Services via his career in Global Banking, He brings an independent perspective to cost management and budget forecasting for Halesowen BID. Co ordinating our working relationship with the DMBC revenue team and provides an excellent cost disciple for Halesowen BID, ensuring value for money for our levy contributors. Having lived in Halesowen for 25 years not only does he supports our financials but is a strong contributor to Halesowen in bloom as the Treasurer and Gardener in our town.

 
 

Cllr Simon Phipps

 

 

About: I have lived in Halesowen my whole life and I’ve been privileged to represent the Belle Vale ward on Dudley Council since 2015. I started my career as an apprentice IT technician before moving on to work in communications and campaigns for Members of Parliament in the region. As an officer of Halesowen Conservative Association, I’m partially based in our offices in Church Chambers on High Street.

When the BID was first formed, I sat on a local Community Forum that contributed towards the initial start-up costs of the BID. Since then, I’ve seen the success the BID has achieved despite some of the most challenging circumstances for town centres we have ever endured.

I was delighted to join Halesowen BID as a Dudley Council appointed director in October 2022 and have assisted with financial planning and liaising with senior management at the council.