About

Our Story

GRIP CIC and the "2025 Group" supports the ambitious vision laid out by North East Lincolnshire Council for our town's forthcoming transformation and revitalisation of out town centre.

The 2025 Group is a project created by GRIP CIC.and funded by the UKSPF. The UKSPF will support the UK government’s wider commitment to level up all parts of the UK by delivering on each of the levelling up objectives:

With the anticipated completion of most regeneration projects by the end of 2025, this group is dedicated to being an active pillar of support and advocacy for the town centre's transformation and revitalisation.

We aim not just to witness the change, but to champion and elevate every phase of the town's development journey.

This initiative gathers the local authority, local businesses and community groups who are deeply invested in the evolution and vibrancy of our town centre.

More than just a date on the calendar, "2025" symbolises our collective ambition for the town's regeneration.

By rallying behind the "Be Part of the Positive" movement, we're determined to showcase the potential of our town across all platforms, influence its transformation positively, and instill a sense of community pride in every corner.

Our aim isn't just to adapt to change, but to proactively shape it, ensuring that Grimsby's future is as bright as the community powering it.

Liz Parry

2025 Group Champion

Liz Parry is a long-standing champion of Grimsby town centre and a key figure in its hospitality and events landscape.

Read more about Liz

As the owner of PAL Bar & Kitchen and a successful external catering business, she continues to create high-quality experiences for local people and visitors.

Liz is also deeply involved in community events and initiatives, bringing energy and creativity to projects that support the town.

In 2017, she became the first female President of the Rotary Club of Cleethorpes — a milestone that reflects her leadership and commitment to the area.

As a 2025 Group Champion, Liz brings her passion, insight and drive to the future of Grimsby town centre.

Ayolt Kloosterboer

2025 Group Champion

Ayolt brings international experience and strong local commitment to his role as a 2025 Group Champion.

Read more about Ayolt

Born in the Netherlands and raised in the UK, he has built a varied career spanning farming, national leisure brands and international hospitality.

Ayolt and his family settled in Grimsby in 2018, taking ownership of their first franchised McDonald’s restaurant in the town centre the following year. He now operates three outlets across the area.

His involvement in town centre issues quickly grew, leading to his appointment as Chair of GRIP (Grimsby Retailers in Partnership), where he works to unite retail, leisure and public partners in tackling challenges and supporting the town centre’s future.

Mark Webb

2025 Group Champion

Mark Webb is Managing Director of E-Factor Group Ltd and a long-standing advocate for local business growth in Greater Lincolnshire.

Read more about Mark

After a successful career in national publishing, including roles at Today and The Guardian, Mark moved into entrepreneurship and later founded E-Factor Group in 2007.

Since then, he has supported thousands of SMEs, served on multiple local boards, and regularly judges the Small Business Britain Awards.

Most recently, he led the renovation of St James House, now home to the new E-Factor Hive, a vibrant space supporting 18 businesses in the heart of the town centre.

As a 2025 Group Champion, Mark brings his experience, energy and commitment to helping Grimsby’s town centre thrive for both businesses and residents.

Maggie Johnson

2025 Group Champion

Maggie Johnson has been part of Grimsby town centre’s story for more than four decades.

Read more about Maggie

She began her career in the early 1980s with a local estate agency before running her own retail businesses in Freshney Place and Abbeygate.

In 2009, she joined North East Lincolnshire Council, where she is now part of the Regeneration Team working to restore confidence in the town centre as a place to live, work and play.

Maggie is passionate about Grimsby’s hidden gems and is committed to helping more people feel proud of the town and the positive changes taking place.

As a 2025 Group Champion, she brings deep local knowledge, long-standing community connection and a clear ambition for a thriving, confident town centre.