Meet The Team

Bring together expertise, ideas and enthusiasm in order to guide the BID forward

Our BID Board is made up of owners and managers of local businesses, landlords and representatives of the public and third sectors. They bring together their expertise, ideas and enthusiasm in order to guide the BID forward and to support the work of the BID Co-ordinator. Independent and national businesses are represented as are the daytime and evening economies as we try to develop and deliver the best possible programme for the whole of the town.

The board’s members are happy to meet you or visit you in your premises to discuss any aspect of the BID’s work and what it can do to support you.

Carl Mason
Carl Mason
Business Relationship Manager at Barclays Bank, Merthyr Tydfil. Married with a daughter and a grandson. Worked in finance since 1984. Big Heart Board member for over 4 years.

Age: 52. I have lived in Merthyr all my life and am a huge advocate of our beautiful town and the special people that live here

Huw Williams
Huw Williams
Huw has been a constant member of the Board for several years and is active within Merthyr Tydfil town life as a local historian. He is the author of most of the Big Heart of Merthyr’s numerous town trails, which he leads with relish across the seasons. He has plans to publish several local histories of Merthyr Tydfil in due course, something in print for all ages.
Karen Courts
Karen Courts
Karen became a Director of the Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil in 2013 and has extensive experience in finance, governance, strategy, and housing and development matters.

Karen is the Chief Executive of Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association, which provides nearly 1,200 quality homes for affordable rent in the county borough. Karen is a qualified Certified Accountant and has held previous Finance Director roles in housing and the NHS, as well as working in private practice for several years.

Councillor Geraint Thomas
Councillor Geraint Thomas
I was born and educated in Merthyr Tydfil and am currently the tenant of The Anchor Inn.

In 2017 I stood for the council. After being elected, I was chosen to be Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection. I was re-elected on 5th May 2022 and nominated Leader of the Independent Group, which in turn led me to become the Leader of the Council. I also kept the portfolio of Regeneration and Housing, a role I find extremely rewarding.

My hobbies are supporting Merthyr RFC, Merthyr FC and the local cricket clubs.

I love my town. We are a fantastic county borough with so much history and heritage, and I am proud to represent my community.

Lee Simmonds
Lee Simmonds
St Tydfil Shopping Centre Manager, previously Royal Mint Security Manager, previously Mermaid Quay Centre Manager and Security Manager. South African born therefore knows everything about rugby.
Luisa Bortolotto
Luisa Bortolotto
Branch Manager at Nationwide Building Society. Has worked in Nationwide for 4 years now and has been part of the BID since October 2022.

I have been living in Merthyr since 2016 when I moved with my other half who is from Merthyr and my dog. I love living in Merthyr and exploring all our beautiful scenery.

Elizabeth Bedford
Elizabeth Bedford
BID Co-ordinator, Elizabeth, was born in Merthyr Tydfil and has lived all her life in the town. With her strong ties and passion for the town, she became a director of the BID in 2016. Elizabeth joined The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil in January 2020 after 25 years of experience in Business Development and Project Management.
Sarah Hicks
Sarah Hicks
Sarah was born in Merthyr Tydfil and has been a business owner for over 20 years. She previously taught cake decorating and sugar craft and now runs her own marketing agency in the town. Sarah is also an award-winning event planner. She has a passion for helping local businesses and enjoys history and travelling. Sarah began marketing for the BID in 2017.

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