As the instigator of the Dorchester BID back in 2005 I have followed its progress with interest and, as time has gone on, with growing concern.

After nearly five years and the spending of close to £500,000, I am disappointed that so few of my hopes have been realised and that so little of lasting value will remain as a legacy of Dorset’s first BID.

It would appear that I am not alone in my dismay. A recent survey of the BID levy paying businesses revealed that many were unhappy with its performance. Why is this? Part of the answer lies in poor communications between the DBID Board (made up of levy-paying representatives) and its members (all those businesses which pay the levy).

Although the BID has done some valuable work, if its projects have not been clearly explained and the people paying for them are unclear about what is being done, why it’s being done and have seen no clear measure of its effectiveness, then doubts will be voiced.

Another problem lies in the BID’s system of governance which has allowed some of the board members to occupy their place since day one.

The BID company documents require that one third of the directors stand down every year.

This has not happened; vacancies have been filled by co-option, effectively limiting the views aired in the boardroom.

Lessons must be learned and acted on decisively and immediately.

Current board vacancies should be advertised now.

Filling those seats and moving ahead in a clear strategic manner, which responds to the concerns expressed in the survey, would be a good start.

Taking such action might yet convince the doubters that Dorset’s first BID had indeed learnt from its piloting of an exciting and fair business initiative.

Alistair Chisholm, Friary Hill, Dorchester