Kevan Blackadder has been a Gloucestershire local for over a decade now, after first moving to the county in 2008 to become editor of the Gloucestershire Echo.

He’s now the director of the Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) and is working with businesses to help the town to improve and thrive. We caught up with him to find out about his interests.

What do you enjoy most about your role in Gloucestershire?

“I’ve enjoyed working as part of the Cheltenham BID and being at the centre of bringing changes to Cheltenham. Supporting around 600 businesses is always exciting work.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“My main loves are watching football and having a drink with friends. I’m a Cumbrian boy so I have always supported my local team Carlisle United.”

What’s your favourite place to visit in Gloucestershire?

“For me the best place to walk is Cleeve Hill, it’s easy to access and every time I go I see something new. I also like driving into the countryside to places like Winchcombe and Broadway, and Cheltenham itself is a great mix of Regency buildings, shops and open spaces.”

What’s your favourite place to eat in Gloucestershire?

“I’m still working my way around all the places to eat in Cheltenham! Brasserie Blanc always has great food and service every time I’ve been.”

Do you support any local sports teams?

“I support my local team Carlisle, and I also follow Bristol Rovers as I worked in Bristol for a many years.”

What do you miss about Gloucestershire when you’re away?

“There’s a fantastic mixture of town and countryside and a real buzz in Cheltenham that I miss when I’m away.”

Are you a film or a book person?

“I’d say probably more of a book person.”

What’s your favourite book?

“Anything by Iain Banks, he’s my favourite author. Closely followed by Irvine Welsh.”

Do you ever attend any shows in Gloucestershire?

“I infrequently go to the Everyman and the Playhouse. The last thing I went to see was The Album Project playing Led Zeppelin at the Playhouse, and it was brilliant.”

What achievement are you most proud of?

“Finally seeing progress on renovating Cheltenham High Street. The BID has played a key role and we’ve only really completed the first stage, but we’re already seeing improvements.”

Can you explain the aims of the Cheltenham BID?

“The BID exists to make Cheltenham more attractive and bring in more visitors and people to stay. We help businesses in the town in five areas; marketing and promotion, town events, parking and accessibility, public realm improvements and business support.”