Colmore BID’s Katy Paddock Shortlisted for ‘Young Leader of the Year’ at the West Midlands Leadership Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Katy Paddock, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Colmore Business Improvement District (BID), has been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Leader of the Year category at the West Midlands Leadership Awards.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates Katy’s remarkable career trajectory, her outstanding leadership capabilities, and her tireless dedication to Colmore BID and the wider Birmingham community.

Katy’s journey with Colmore BID began in 2016 when she joined the organisation at just 19 years old as an Executive Assistant. Even at this early stage, her drive, ambition, and natural leadership qualities were clear. Over the past eight years, she has risen through the ranks at an impressive pace, earning her current position as Chief Operating Officer in 2024. At just 27 years old, Katy has already demonstrated the expertise and strategic thinking of a seasoned leader.

As COO, Katy oversees a team of 13 full-time and part-time staff, working collaboratively to deliver more than £1 million worth of projects annually. These initiatives, spread across eight thematic Working Groups, are central to fulfilling the promises outlined in Colmore BID’s BID4 Business Plan. Under Katy’s leadership, the team has consistently gone above and beyond, delivering projects and initiatives that enhance the experience of those who live, work, and visit the Colmore area.

Katy’s approach to leadership is grounded in empowerment and teamwork. She is dedicated to ensuring her team feels confident and equipped to excel in their roles. Her focus on delivering tangible results, coupled with her ability to inspire those around her, has been instrumental in the continued success of Colmore BID.

Commenting on Katy’s nomination, Michele Wilby, Chief Executive Officer at Colmore BID said: “Katy is a phenomenal leader whose passion for her work and commitment to the team shine through every day. Watching her growth over the past eight years has been inspiring, and her shortlist for this award is a true testament to her hard work, vision, and dedication. She has achieved so much at such a young age, and we couldn’t be prouder of her.”

The West Midlands Leadership Awards highlight individuals who have made significant contributions to their organisations and communities, demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation. Being shortlisted for the ‘Young Leader of the Year’ category is a testament to Katy’s remarkable achievements and her potential for even greater impact in the future.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all shortlisted attendees in Colmore Business District:

Professional Services Leader

Joanna Lee-Mills – Shakespeare Martineau and Colmore BID Board

Hospitality Leader

Nouman Farooqui – Asha’s Restaurants

Green Leader

Ankita Mishra – Mills & Reeve

HR Leader

Karuna Bhatia – Richborough

Company Leader (51 – 100 employees)

Paul Campbell – Richborough

Transformational Leader

Emma Fardell – Richborough

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in March 2025, and we are excited to cheer Katy on as she represents Colmore BID among some of the most talented young leaders in the region.

Please join us in congratulating Katy and all of our Colmore BID shortlists on this fantastic achievement and wishing you all the best of luck at the awards!