BUSINESSES in Leamington are being urged to back their BID for a third term to ensure their voice is not lost on helping to secure the future prosperity of the town centre.
They are being encouraged to support the continuation of BID Leamington, the business-led and controlled partnership dedicated to promoting, enhancing and supporting the town, until 2023 when the renewal ballot opens in March.
BID Leamington has put together a detailed business plan which sets out a robust strategy for the next five years focused on making the town attractive to visitors and investors over the next five years.
The plan addresses key priorities identified in BID Leamington’s recent consultation of businesses which included attracting more shoppers, providing car parking, addressing out-of-town and online competition, ensuring a strong retail economy and offering a balanced mix of outlets.
It also proposes to build on the BID’s strong digital representation of businesses which has so far attracted 20,000 followers across social media platforms, putting Leamington in the top two per cent of towns and cities using social media to boost business in 2017.
Businesses are now being invited to attend an event at House of Fraser on the Parade on Wednesday (February 7) when the plan will be officially launched.
Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, which represents almost 400 businesses, said: “The impact and influence of BID Leamington in the town centre over the last decade has been significant.
“The challenges facing our businesses are greater than ever before and so the value of the BID in representing their interests to secure a vibrant and successful town centre has never been more important.
“The next five years are going to be crucial. There are some wonderful opportunities to capitalise on but equally, there is a significant amount of development on the horizon, including the Covent Garden Car Park, which will greatly impact on local businesses, their staff and customers. We have a lot to do and without the BID, businesses have a lot to lose.”
Businesses voted to establish the BID in 2008 and to renew it for a further five-year term in 2013. All retail businesses and properties within a set boundary and with a rateable value of more than £15,000 pay an annual levy for the non-profit making organisation.
The investment from businesses has played a significant role in ensuring the prosperity of the town which in the last five years has equated to £1.5 million.
BID Leamington has also generated a further £480,000 of additional income which has been invested back into the town centre.
It has also established itself as one of the most innovative small BIDs in the UK, winning numerous national awards including for the Leamington Food and Drink Festival, Golden Ticket retail campaign, and community-funded garden created for the Chelsea Flower Show.
The 28-day postal ballot opens on March 1 and the result will be announced on April 3.
Visit www.bidleamington.com for further details.
