Bev attended the Manchester Metropolitan University and obtained BSc Honours Degree in Geography in 2003 and in 2012 she obtained an MSc Honours Degree in Housing with Northumbria University.
From 2021 to 2025 Bev spent 4 years as Assistant Director for Development & Growth at Hartlepool Borough Council and was responsible for a broad portfolio of services including Strategic Development, Capital Programme Delivery, Inclusive Growth, Business Engagement, Assets & Estates Management, Communications & Marketing, Procurement and Corporate Policy & Performance. Leading a department of over 40 people, working across 6 distinct service areas and have responsibility for a number of strategic budgets and resources including over 500 assets, 341 HRA homes with a combined value of £178m; £120m capital programme budgets and combined operational revenue budgets of £2.85m.
Bev’s current role is Chief Operating Officer for Middlesbrough & Hartlepool Development Corporations where she has executive responsibility for the strategic direction, day-to-day operations and project delivery for both development corporations. She leads negotiations with prospective investors, commercial occupiers, landowners and major business interests to maximise the potential for regeneration, inward investment and economic growth within the DC areas. She works closely with the Tees Valley Mayor, Development Corporation Chairs, Board members, constituent Local Authority Leaders and Chief Executives, the Police & Crime Commissioner and a broad range of local stakeholders to drive forward the strategic priorities for the DC’s.