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 is a passionate advocate for the city centre.
He represents high street voices in conversations with organisations such as City of York Council, York BID, Make It York and other key partners, helping ensure traders are heard and understood.
Phil plays a central role in shaping the Forum’s direction, offering a clear, honest and collaborative approach to the opportunities and challenges facing the high street.
As the Forum’s spokesperson, he helps highlight key issues, share opportunities and maintain a positive, constructive 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 leads on communications and digital engagement for the Forum, helping keep traders and partners connected through clear, accessible information.
She oversees the website, prepares updates, and curates the Positive York features — celebrating the people and stories behind York’s high street.
With a background in administration, management, networking and digital marketing, Judy’s approach is warm, organised and community-focused — ensuring the forum remains a simple, welcoming and supportive space for everyone involved.
She is happy to meet with traders for 1:1 support.
Judy is the founder of The Business Signpost and Carerpreneurs.
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.
Lynn Gregory
Community Features Ambassador
Lynn brings warmth and a love of storytelling to her role as Community Features Ambassador.
Through her work with Infinite Potential and York EbOrators, she supports people to build confidence and find their voice — something reflected in her involvement with the Forum.
Lynn supports Judy with community features and trader stories, helping to celebrate the people behind York’s high street.