Meet the team: Rose
Posted: Feb 2025
What is your connection to Nottingham and what do you love most about it?
Nottingham has always felt like a home away from home for me. I spent much of my childhood here, as my family had a boat on the River Trent. Many of my UK holidays began with a trip down the canal, so some of my fondest memories are tied to the city and its waterways.
Later, I chose to study Liberal Arts at the University of Nottingham, and that’s when my appreciation for the city truly deepened. I wanted to be somewhere familiar, but also somewhere with opportunity - and Nottingham offered both. It has the energy and ambition of a much bigger city, yet everything feels accessible and connected. You can enjoy the buzz of the city centre, then within minutes find yourself in green space or along the river.
Another great characteristic of Nottingham is its pride in its independent scene. Areas like Hockley and Sneinton have such a distinct character — full of creativity, individuality and community spirit, whether its independent cafes and restaurants or shops there is no shortage of places to find unique charm. It’s a city that feels ambitious but grounded, vibrant yet welcoming.
After graduating in 2024 and moving back to my hometown, a small rural village, I was desperate to come back to Nottingham ASAP!
What is your role at It’s in Nottingham and how did you get into it?
I’m a Business Liaison Officer within the Operations Team at It’s in Nottingham, where my role centres on building and maintaining strong relationships with city centre businesses. I work predominantly in the hospitality sector as I have a strong background within that industry. I act as a key point of contact, supporting the businesses in a variety of ways - whether that’s engaging their staff with our initiatives, connecting them to opportunities, or ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.
I often describe our team as the “eyes and ears” of the city centre. Very little goes unnoticed, and that insight allows us to be proactive and collaborative in driving positive change. My role is rooted in partnership - sharing city-wide updates, supporting projects that increase footfall and economic growth, and working closely with stakeholders to strengthen Nottingham’s community.
During my time at university, I realised I had a passion for making meaningful change. I studied modules focused on sustainability and policy, which sparked my interest in how cities function and evolve. Alongside my studies, I worked as a Community Engagement Ambassador with University, where I experienced first-hand the value of working with diverse communities and organisations. Seeing the tangible impact of partnership work was incredibly rewarding, and when the opportunity arose to do this professionally, I knew it was the right step for me.
What is your favourite hidden gem in Nottingham that visitors often overlook?
Nottingham has so many hidden gems - it really depends on what you’re looking for.
My absolute favourite place is a garden centre at Toton Lane, a 5-minute walk from the tram stop, called Bardills. This charming family run garden centre has everything a great garden centre should have, a big selection of indoor and outdoor plants, a lovely gift section, an aquatic section, a cosy cafe that serves an incredible lasagna and CATS! The centre has become a safe haven for over eight cats - they rescued some from RSPCA derby, the rest of them strolled in one day and never left, they are incredibly friendly and offer a nice bit of comfort to anyone who visits.
As someone who loves walking and being outdoors, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a favourite of mine. It’s such a peaceful escape from the city, with beautiful lakes, wildlife and open skies - it feels miles away from the bustle.
On a completely different note, I also love my food, I could spend hours browsing a good farm shop/deli, and Park Stores Deli on Derby Road is one of the best; the sandwiches are amazing! I lived opposite it in my second year at university, and it became my go-to spot - whether I needed a hangover breakfast, a quick lunch before heading to campus, or fresh bread and fruit for the week. It’s one of those places that feels truly local and personal, which sums up Nottingham perfectly for me.
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