Introducing Duggie from Swansea BID

May 13, 2021

Introducing Duggie from Swansea BID:

“I wanted to learn to roller-skate. I didn’t think I’d end up playing in roller derby competitions, training a junior team and commentating at international games.

“My 8 years with Swansea City Roller Derby was certainly eventful; from broken ribs to skating off a bus straight onto the track and into a game. It’s an exciting sport which originated from America but has rapidly grown in popularity across the world. It was created by, and for, women but male teams were also popping up across the country – which was great for me.

“After playing a few games, I decided that training was more my thing and so I helped set up the junior team which is still running today. I loved the community feel in the team and that same feeling of community is what I love about my role as Business Liaison Manager within the BID.

“Each day is completely different in Swansea city centre. I’ve been doing this job for 18 months and there’s still so much to see. I deal predominately with independent businesses, which is great as I get to experience the best of the City and its talented, creative business owners.

“Swansea is bursting at the seams with fantastic independent businesses, from bars, cafes and restaurants to fashion, entertainment and beauty. Its independent businesses are the backbone of the city and what makes it so unique.

“The past year has been tremendously difficult for businesses, and I’m glad that I’ve played a small part in easing the pressures of the challenging year, for some. Be it through organising advertising on the big screen in Castle Gardens or by helping businesses like the Swigg, Cwtch and Gigi Gao’s Favourite Authentic Chinese secure outdoor seating.

“I’m known as the City Centre Troubleshooter and people know to come to me with any questions they may have about running a business in the city. The most exciting thing for me is seeing the developments that are taking shape across the City. My office is located on Cradock Street, opposite the Albert Hall, and it was amazing witnessing the removal of un-touched 90s bingo hall equipment from the building, to make way for DEPOT Swansea.

“It’s an exciting time to be working in the city and I can’t wait to see it transform over the coming years, making Swansea an even better place to enjoy.”