We’re delighted to share that Lesley Bird, our Employee Operations and Office Manager, has recently been appointed as a Director on the Board of the Penrith Industrial Park Business Improvement District (BID), officially joining on 19th June 2025.
The Penrith Industrial Park BID is a dedicated initiative focused on enhancing the working environment across the business park, representing the interests of all local businesses and working closely with Westmorland and Furness Council. With a small but diverse group of professionals on the board, from councillors to builders’ merchants and marketing experts, the BID meets quarterly to plan and deliver projects that improve safety, connectivity, wellbeing, and business growth in the area.
At Genesis Homes, we’re proud to have a strong community focus. One of our core values is supporting and investing in the places where we build and work. Having a voice in local improvement groups like the Penrith BID helps us stay connected to the wider business community, contribute to meaningful change, and play an active role in shaping a positive, thriving environment for all. Lesley’s involvement reflects this commitment and ensures that Genesis Homes continues to support initiatives that benefit the wider area.
Lesley has been a valued and core member of the Genesis Homes team for over three years and is heavily involved with our Charity Committee alongside organising our social and wellbeing activities. She also volunteers at Sunbeams Music Trust, our ‘Charity of the Year’ in 2023, highlighting her dedication to giving back to the local area.
Lesley brings her energy, ideas and community focus to the group, with a strong personal commitment to making the industrial park a better place for everyone who works there. In her role, Lesley will be helping to promote awareness of the BID’s activities and encouraging more businesses to make use of the free resources, marketing support and training on offer.
Lesley said: “As a community-minded person who enjoys bringing people together, I’m delighted to have joined the Board to help drive forward the work of the Penrith Industrial Park BID. I want to help make it a place where people enjoy coming to work, and where businesses can grow and feel part of a supportive community.
“There is lots on the agenda that bring so much value for local businesses; from tackling traffic management, security and cleanliness to providing walking routes and welcoming seating areas, plus hosting networking events and free business support. It’s brilliant to have this support in the area.
“I’m particularly excited about the BID’s work to improve the look and feel of the business park, create shared spaces like seating areas, and hold events that connect local businesses and make them feel proud to be based here.”
To find out more about Penrith BID, visit penrithbusinessparks.co.uk