Pioneering high street regeneration developer and operator, Really Local Group, has today announced the appointment of Crispin Lilly as Business Development Director.
Crispin Lilly, who joins Really Local Group from popular boutique cinema chain, Everyman Cinemas, has nearly 30 years’ experience in the UK cinema sector. The appointment comes at an exciting time for Really Local Group, which has two successful projects under its belt – Catford Mews (2019) in South East London and Reading Biscuit Factory (2021) – and eight other developments and new acquisitions in the pipeline.
During his six years as CEO of Everyman, Crispin oversaw the exponential growth of the company which grew from 10 to 35 sites throughout his tenure. Prior to this, he worked for over twenty years as VP Business Affairs at Cineworld looking after all aspects of commercial revenues including both the film and retail elements of the business, as well as being part of the launch team for Unlimited – the world’s first subscription cinema scheme – and overseeing the integration of Picturehouse Cinemas in 2012. For the last five years Crispin has been a trustee of Medicinema, a charity that builds and runs cinemas in the heart of NHS hospitals; in 2021 he took a hands-on role within this team working as Interim CEO.
Preston Benson, Founder of Really Local Group, commented: “Crispin brings a wealth of experience, and we are proud to welcome him to Really Local Group. 2022 is the breakout year for our business which is entering into a period of significant growth. He is a very important addition to the team and his appointment signals a very exciting time for the company.”
Crispin Lilly, Business Development Director of Really Local Group added: “What Preston and the team are delivering at the Really Local Group is both exciting and extremely relevant for the future of our high streets and their communities. I have long believed the cinema should be more than just ‘seeing a film’, and the Really Local Group’s revolutionary venues and inspired workforce manage this in a refreshing and accessible way.
“With a clear focus on putting smaller, flexible venues back into truly local locations, regenerating both the property and the places they are in is timely and the opportunity for growth is vast. I am genuinely delighted to join the team, helping to refine and evolve the offer further, finding and delivering so many more unique sites across the country.”
Really Local Group delivers true regeneration and development by launching multi-use venues that are uniquely designed to embrace the culture of the surrounding area, sensitively responding to the local demographic’s needs and aspirations. All venues are designed to provide affordable and inclusive cultural community hubs, ultimately acting as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the local area. Each location has cinema at its heart, along with live entertainment space, a full-service bar and food offering supporting local brands and food vendors to help boost the local economy.
