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

Ryan Owen
Ryan Owen
Ryan has been involved with the BID for over 12 months and now takes on the role of Chairman, continuing his strong commitment to supporting local businesses and the town centre. As a passionate advocate for Merthyr Tydfil, Ryan works closely with businesses, stakeholders and the BID team to support growth, investment and community engagement.
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.

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.
Lynzy Price
Lynzy Price
With 15 years of mobile and telecoms experience in the retail sector, my aim is to bring my wealth of experience and knowledge to the local businesses within the town centre of Merthyr Tydfil and really make a difference.

You can find me at your local Vodafone Store in Merthyr town centre (The Precinct, Graham Way) 5 days a week – pop in to meet me in person.

Sarah Newton
Sarah Newton
I have lived in the valleys since I was 15 and I have worked in Merthyr Tydfil several times over the years and I am currently running the Y Dic Penderyn, I love Merthyr Tydfil and all it has too offer especially it’s hidden gems and want the rest of the valleys to see how much we have too offer everyone. My favourite things to do on my days off are to go on walks with my dog and curl up with a good book.
Laura Evans
Laura Evans
I am married & a mother to 2 beautiful children and have lived in Merthyr all my life. As I live and work in the Town, I am truly passionate about it! You’ll find me in New Look in Merthyr, so pop in and say hello. And with over 23 years of retail experience, I plan to really make a difference, and being part of the BID will certainly help me achieve that.
Elizabeth Bedford
Elizabeth Bedford
BID Manager, 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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