After 10 years at the helm, B Sharp founder Fran Williams is stepping down as Chief Executive and Artistic Director.
Fran started the young people’s music charity in 2007 with young people and a team of dedicated volunteers after working on a series of successful youth projects in Bridport and Lyme Regis. The Charity has gone on to lead the way inspiring a new culture of music and opportunities for young people in the region, and recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary.
Fran will be leaving in October to do some training and research into opportunities for cultural exchanges and social action programmes. She commented: “It’s been a great joy to work with so many different young people over the years, an inspirational team, partners and many supporters. Everyone involved in B Sharp has given so much energy and expertise adding to its mix, keeping it fresh and relevant as well as professional – and that’s what makes it so special. I feel that it’s time now for a new cycle to begin. I am confident that B Sharp will find a new leader with the right set of skills, experience and passion to take it forward to the next ten years.”
Over the ten years B Sharp has become more than just music. Its peer-to-peer model of working has been rolled out across the region and has a local and national reputation to be proud of. Its can-do approach has seen the organisation gain a reputation for giving everyone a fair chance to shine regardless of background or interest – enabling young people to build transferable skills and confidence in a creative and positive way through music.
Hannah Lovegrove, Chair of B Sharp’s Board of Trustees, noted: “Fran has achieved an amazing amount for young people’s music. It’s sad to see her go and we all wish her well for the future. Opportunities for young people are as needed as much now as ever – if you are interested in building a sound future and working with us in any way or joining the board get in touch.”
B Sharp will be recruiting a full-time replacement for Fran to steer them through the next stage of its development.