“I believe that when businesses succeed, the community prospers”

An optometrist and Hakim Group practice partner has been appointed chair of Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID).

Becci Zawadzki will lead Gloucester BID, which represents more than 400 city centre businesses.

The BID aims to drive footfall, enhance business opportunities, and create a vibrant city centre through events, initiatives, and collaboration between local businesses and authorities.

Zawadzki is an advocate for Gloucester, having worked in the city from the age of 15, initially assisting her father working for a national optical chain in Eastgate Shopping Centre, and then following in his footsteps into the profession.

After her father’s retirement, Zawadzki alongside her husband, Dan, and a team of three other practice owners, acquired Norville Opticians.

The Hakim Group independent practice, which was established in 1898, has since undergone an extensive refurbishment, whilst maintaining the brand heritage. Becci and Dan became Hakim Group partners in 2021.

Commenting on her new role, Zawadzki said: “I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective and ideas to the BID, engaging more closely with businesses, and ensuring they receive value for their contributions.”

Describing a “fantastic mix” of independent and branded shops and diverse areas from the docks, to Cathedral Quarter, and Gloucester Quays, she said: “We need to celebrate our city and promote it as a safe, attractive, and thriving destination.”

“Beyond business, Gloucester has a strong sense of community, and I want to ensure that the BID plays a key role in fostering that. By creating opportunities for businesses to collaborate and support one another, we can strengthen the local economy and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike,” Zawadzki continued.

She concluded: “I believe that when businesses succeed, the community prospers, and I want to see Gloucester flourish as a place where people feel proud to live, work, and invest.”

Norville Opticians has supported Gloucester BID, sponsoring local events within the community.

In her new role, Zawadzki will lead six annual BID board meetings, helping bring together board members and supporting BID manager, Emily Gibbon, in liaising with council representatives and local businesses.

Zawadzki succeeds Kieron Bates, who chaired the BID board for the past five years, and will be supported by vice-chairs Justin Hudson and Chris Nyland.

"The coffee machine goes on before anything else”

Caffeine-fuelled Gloucester practice owners Becci and Daniel Zawadzki walk us through their 16-hour days