Sarah Nelson, the chief executive at Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID), is to leave the post after being headhunted for a senior role in London.

Sarah joined the BID in June 2011, leading a team of five, and can point to a number of highlights during her time helping businesses and organisations within the town centre area.

Managing a core budget of £380,000, she successfully sought and secured funding of more than £200,000 over the first BID term.

Sarah went on to devise and lead on the BID’s second-term business plan and strategy, securing a second term for the organisation.

She has overseen and managed the BID’s town centre events, and successfully guided the town centre to gaining, and then retaining, the coveted Purple Flag status.

She also led on key projects such as Healthy High Street and the Town Team, and has worked in partnership with all key stakeholders such as district and county councils, colleges, schools and charities.

Sarah will leave the BID this month for a programme director role with specialist regeneration consultancy Primera, based in Hatton Gardens.

She said: “It was a very difficult decision to leave Mansfield but this is an opportunity that could not be turned down.

“Mansfield has a fantastic town centre, with fabulous businesses and people who are working together for the benefit of those who live and work here.

“I am proud of what I, and the close-knit BID team, have achieved over six years.”

John Sankey, who chairs the BID, said: “From Purple Flag, to Party on the Market, and from business efficiency programmes to campaigns, Sarah has really helped Mansfield town centre to thrive. She will be a hard act to follow but we wish her all the best for the future.”

Pictured are John Sankey and Sarah Nelson.