About the York High Street Forum
Communication • Connection • Collaboration
The York High Street Forum is a simple, positive organisation, created to support the people and places that make York’s city centre so special.
We focus on keeping traders connected, sharing helpful updates, and celebrating the good work happening across York’s high streets.
We’re not a membership organisation, committee or formal group.
Instead, we act as a communication link — helping strengthen relationships between traders, partners and organisations across the city centre.
Clear, simple communication
Sharing key updates from York BID, City of York Council, Make It York, Indie York, York Hospitality Association and street/trader associations.
Stronger connection
Helping traders stay in touch through shared updates, Positive York stories and our monthly drop-in surgeries.
Collaboration
Bringing together traders and partners, highlighting good work across the city, and supporting cross-street communication.
Meet Our Ambassadors
Phil Pinder
Leader, Spokesperson & City Centre Ambassador
Phil brings years of experience working with York’s independent business community and championing the city centre.
He represents high street voices in conversations with organisations such as City of York Council, York BID, Make It York and local partners.
Phil is passionate about supporting York’s traders with clarity, honesty and a collaborative outlook.
As the Forum’s spokesperson, he helps to highlight issues, share opportunities and maintain a positive dialogue across the city.
Phil is the Director of Wizardry and co-founder of The Potions Cauldron and Presenter of BizMix on YorkMix Radio
Judy Illing
Head of Communications & Liaison and City Centre Ambassador
Judy manages the communication and digital side of the Forum, helping keep traders and partners connected with clear, accessible information.
She curates the Positive York features with our Community Features Ambassador prepares updates, oversees the website, and coordinates the monthly trader drop-in sessions.
With a background in administration, management, networking, and digital marketing, Judy’s approach is warm, organised and community-focused — ensuring the Hub remains a welcoming, simple and supportive space for everyone involved.
Judy is the founder of The Business Signpost and Carerpreneurs.
Lynn Gregory
Community Features Ambassador
Lynn brings energy, heart and a huge commitment to community storytelling to her role as our Community Features Ambassador. Through her work with Infinite Potential, she helps people unlock confidence, develop their voice and recognise the strengths they already carry — qualities she brings directly into the York High Street Forum.
As a long-standing committee member of York Eborators, Lynn is passionate about empowering people to communicate with clarity and courage.
In her role with the Forum, Lynn supports community features, trader spotlights, and positive storytelling — helping us celebrate the people behind the shopfronts and share their journeys with the wider city.
John McGall
Relationship Ambassador
John acts as a trusted connector between the York High Street Forum and the wider community, particularly organisations and individuals working to reduce food waste, support people experiencing homelessness, and strengthen local social responsibility.
Through his work running I Am Reusable Community Food Bank, John has deep, long-standing relationships with local businesses, food providers and suppliers, Big Issue Vendors, and community groups and frontline support organisations.
As Relationship Ambassador, John champions the values and purpose of the York High Street Forum in everyday conversations and builds positive relationships between traders, community initiavtives and support networks.