Brackmills Industrial Estate Business Improvement District (BID) has published its annual report, marking 17 years of business-led investment in one of the UK’s leading industrial and logistics estates.
The report reflects on a year of significant progress across the BID’s four core objectives, and highlights a board of voluntary directors that is stronger and more diverse than ever, with two new recruits whose combined expertise spans facilities management, employee wellbeing, health and safety and sustainability.
The Brackmills BID board is made up of volunteers drawn from businesses across the estate, giving their time and expertise to shape the direction of the BID and deliver real value for its members. Directors are elected by levy-paying businesses and serve alongside the BID’s professional team, led by chief executive Sara Homer. The board currently comprises 10 voluntary directors, representing a broad cross-section of the industries and organisations that make up the Brackmills community.
Sara Homer said: “Our board of directors is the backbone of everything we do. These are busy professionals who give their time freely because they genuinely believe in what Brackmills can be. The fact that we continue to attract talented, committed people from such different backgrounds and businesses,is a real sign of the health and ambition of this BID. We were delighted to welcome Keith and Gemma last year, and they are already making a huge contribution.”
Keith Dorrill, facilities operations manager at GXO, has worked on the Wickes contract at Brackmills for nine of his 22 years with the company. His role spans site infrastructure compliance, security, continuity and environmental responsibilities. It was a BID cyber security event at Delapre Abbey that first drew him to the organisation, and he joined the board at the AGM in September 2025.
He said: “After attending several events and speaking with other directors, it felt like an exciting project to be part of. I’m passionate about keeping everyone who works or visits the estate safe and secure, while supporting its modernisation and development – striking that balance between security and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.”
Keith is also quoted in the annual report on the day-to-day value of membership: “The BID provides our colleagues with real reassurance that Brackmills is a safe environment, particularly when commuting to and from work. Having the BID as a point of contact is invaluable for raising concerns about anything that could affect our staff, from potholes and traffic incidents to site security.”
Gemma Osborne, who works in the iPeople team at igus UK with a focus on employee wellbeing and workplace culture, also joined the board at the September AGM. Having come straight from college into her career, she had no prior knowledge of BIDs before starting at Brackmills, but quickly became a regular at BID events after her manager introduced her to the health, safety and wellbeing forum.
Gemma said: “I want to make a difference within the community and have a positive influence. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and I’m keen to help where possible and make suggestions that contribute to actionable change around Brackmills. I’d particularly like to contribute to progressing a continuity plan for all businesses on the estate. With uncertainties around weather, security and safety, every business should feel confident that production can continue during an emergency.”
She added: “It’s a great community to be part of. If you’re looking for answers on a particular topic, someone will have an idea or a contact that can help.”
The appointments reflect the BID’s commitment to drawing in voices from across the estate – from large logistics operations to specialist manufacturers – and ensuring those shaping its future reflect the full breadth of the Brackmills community. Now in its fourth consecutive five-year term, the BID has an ambitious programme ahead, including the largest infrastructure project in its history: a major redevelopment of Caswell Road, with plans due to be shared with businesses later in 2026.
Businesses interested in getting more involved with Brackmills BID – including joining the board of directors – are encouraged to get in touch via the Brackmills Industrial Estate website.
Read the Brackmills Industrial Estate BID Annual Report in full.
