Katy Paddock – Young Aspiring Female of the BID

This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity – to help understand why equal opportunities alone are not enough to create an inclusive environment for women. 

At Colmore BID, we understand our role in driving positive change for female equity and inclusivity in the workplace, and the importance of raising awareness around female empowerment in wider society. 

This International Women’s Day, we would like to highlight and celebrate some key achievements from one of our aspiring female team members, Katy Paddock. 

Katy started at Colmore BID in 2016 as Michele’s Executive Assistant and, over the past seven years, has flown up the ranks to her current position as Special Projects Manager. 

We are showcasing and celebrating some of Katy’s outstanding achievements from her time at the BID to inspire others this International Women’s Day. 

Keeping things moving during COVID-19 

Restructuring our events programme 

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented changes to ways of working within the BID and across the District. This meant that Katy had to think quickly to adapt our previous approach to the events programme. 

With the world moving to remote working due to lockdowns, it was clear that the programme needed to be moved online to allow the continuation of our events. 

Katy’s robust approach to restructuring the events programme ensured that our events could be modified and delivered virtually, allowing our stakeholders and members continued access to learning and development through upselling sessions and networking events throughout the lockdown. 

The launch of Summer in the Square 

Following the move of Colmore BID’s events programme virtually during the pandemic, Katy was also responsible for creating an alternative plan for the launch of Summer in the Square in 2021. 

It was important for the event to meet the in-person, government requirements for health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Katy organised for 120 socially distanced seats to be placed in Victoria Square, for visitors to sit and enjoy live music, along with various food and drink vendors in a safe space. 

Katy’s innovative approach to adapting Summer in the Square in the unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic allowed the event to go ahead in a safe manner and see the lockdown restrictions as an opportunity to support nearby leisure and hospitality organisations. 

Bringing the District back to life  

Christmas in Cathedral Square makes a merry return 

In 2022, Katy led the launch of the award-winning Christmas in Cathedral Square, which returned for its second year last December.   

The Christmas market was located on the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral and provided guests with a selection of crafts, gifts, and food and drink traders following the ‘Lights Switch On’ launch event 

Katy helped to coordinate the traders on rotation each week at the Christmas market, along with key event partners, Birmingham City Council, Danter Attractions Limited and Birmingham Cathedral, ensuring another successful launch of the renowned festive market for 2022. 

Leading the BID4 Ballot 

Currently, as Colmore BID enters BID4, Katy has been applying her years of knowledge in projects and events management to ensure levy-payers are thoroughly consulted about the BID’s future plans and are also given the opportunity to voice their thoughts on the seven key areas we are committing to improving. 

For BID4, local businesses will be investing a grand total of £6.5 million over the next 5 years, making this a major project to lead and manage.  

Indeed, since joining the BID team, Katy has had so many achievements to be proud of and continues to set an example for young women in the workplace by leading change for our District. 

We’d love to see how you celebrate International Women’s Day this year. Please come down and visit our decorative bench in Snow Hill Square and share your pictures with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages!