A new manager of the Twickenham Business Improvement District (Bid) has been announced, ahead of the official launch next month.

Gerry Barwick, a former managing director of Twickenham-based Barwick Media and Sport, has taken up the role of managing the Time for Twickenham Bid.

She described her new position as being part of a fantastic opportunity during a very exciting time for Twickenham.

She said: “Twickenham Bid will ensure the businesses get the support they need to flourish, help drive down business costs and deliver a greater awareness of what the businesses in Twickenham can offer.

“The Bid will deliver enhanced marketing, promotion and activities, encourage keep the spend local, showcase our delightful independent traders and the numerous festivals, fairs, river events as well as Al Fresco that are all part of the Twickenham fabric.

“Our priority is to ensure the town is attractive and welcoming and that visitors will find it an engaging and accessible place to visit and in which to do business.”

Funded solely by commercial businesses and retailers, the Bid has a budget of £1.4m in its five years and will implement the projects voted for by stakeholders.

The Bid's patch covers the whole of Twickenham from Twickenham station to Twickenham Green, including over 460 different businesses and retailers.

Crawford Knott, commercial director Hawk Training, and chairman of the Bid, said: “The implementation of a Bid in Twickenham will make a real, sustainable difference to the town centre, which will benefit all businesses.

“By making the area more attractive and vibrant and ensuring it is well represented, serviced and promoted we can provide a thriving future for Twickenham and its businesses.

“All of this comes at a key time in the run up to the Rugby World Cup 2015 when the eyes of the globe will be on Twickenham as it takes its place centre stage for what is the third largest sporting event in the world.

“I would encourage local businesses to become members of Twickenham Bid in order to ensure their voices are heard, and that we all take full advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Launching officially on Tuesday, April 29, Twickenham Bid is governed by a board made up of Bid levy payers, representing the business interests across Twickenham.