BID replies crucial for Weymouth's future (From Dorset Echo)
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BID replies crucial for Weymouth's future
12:05pm Wednesday 29th August 2012 in Business
By Joanna Davis
Weymouth BID team with chairman Nigel Reed, left, Brian Cooper, Brett Sharman, Cherise Luke-Bennett, Roger Dalton, Georgina Grayson and Anna-Maria Geare
BUSINESSES are being urged to complete a Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) questionnaire by Friday.
More than 500 businesses within the potential BID area have been sent brochures on the plan, which aims to improve the trading environment of Weymouth town centre.
The questionnaire takes 10 minutes to fill out and asks for peoples’ opinions on suggestions for the BID.
Weymouth businesses will eventually vote on whether a BID should be established in the resort.
More than 50 per cent of businesses that vote must vote in favour.
If successful the BID would operate for a five year period with a potential investment of £1million over that period to help support the local economy.
Nigel Reed, chairman of the BID steering group said: “The brochure provided information on the BID and asked for a simple questionnaire to be completed giving the opportunity for people to make comment.
“The comments from those that have already completed the form are already helping in producing a business plan to support local business through the BID.”
Mr Reed urged people to get their forms returned.
He said: “We are very much aware that this is a busy time for people both in running a business and school holidays but the need to move forward with a BID proposal for 2013 is important.”
The programme is funded by the businesses themselves through a one to 1.5 per cent levy on non-domestic rates.
A business with a £10,000 rateable value would pay an extra £150 in business rates.
Ideas already touted for the scheme are tackling the seasonality of local businesses, improving the visitor experience, improving visitor information services and improving the night time economy.
A letter in the brochure includes an invite to attend one of two meetings on Wednesday, September 26 at Wey-mouth Pavilion that will focus on how the investment the BID would provide could be used.
Businesses involved on the day will have the opportunity to contribute through workshops as part of that process.
For more information email info@weymouthbid.co.uk or see weymouthbid.co.uk.
