The Weymouth BID project is making good progress: in December, the draft project plans booklet and a further explanation of the Weymouth BID process was sent to the 542 businesses included in the BID area. All businesses in the areawith a rateable value above £6,000 will have the opportunity to help restore Weymouth’s prosperity in the face of the economic crisis and the growing competition from surrounding towns and resorts.
The Weymouth BID is being driven by a team of local businesses thatactively support the BID and provide the valuable resources of their time and experience to help campaign for a Yes vote.
On Thursday 31 January, between 3pm & 7pm, the Weymouth BID Steering Group will be hosting a ‘drop in’ event at Wetherspoon’s William Henry public house in Weymouth, where businesses within the designated BID area are invited to come along and ask the Steering Group any questions they may have. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
The Weymouth BID Steering Group:
Name Company
Nigel Reed Chair & BID Co-ordinator
Barrie Huett Albert Goodman
Brian Cooper Resort Marketing Ltd
Cherise Luke-Bennett Battens
Craig Dunkerley Merlin Entertainment – Sea Life
Rob Jones Weymouth College Vice Principal
Chris Reay Channel Hotel
Roger Dalton HTS Seafood Festival WP Economy Group Chair
Tim Williams Wilkinsons
Rob Cole The Esplanade Hotel
Anna-Maria Geare President WP Chamber & LloydsTSB
Trevor Hedger EDO WPBC BID Support Officer
Sophie Jibet Kermani The Dining Room
Joy Sangster Dream Cottages
Steve Newstead Wetherspoon’s
Nick Maybour McDonalds
Cllr Ian Munro Price WPBC Briefholder
Zoe Wareham Weymouth BID administrator
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Nigel Reed, Chair of the Weymouth BID said: “A YES vote would generate at least £250,000 a year for 5 years at a time when public funds are reducing. Recently, members of the Steering Group met with managers of the Bournemouth BIDs. One of the BID’s focuses on the promotion of the Town Centre while the Coastal BID concentrates on Coastal Tourism. Both of the Bournemouth BIDs have successfully moved from a pre BID status to a successful YES vote. The three groups discussed some useful ways of promoting a YES vote, the ballot process and dealing with the early stages of gaining a YES vote.”
Mr Reed went on to say: “In addition, we looked at some of the projects that the Bournemouth BIDs have in place; e.g. the Bournemouth Rangers, how they were trained and how the Rangers support the BID. In Weymouth we are hoping to introduce ‘Weyfarers’. Mr Gregg Dunnett of the Bournemouth Town Centre BID and Mr Alun Williams Bournemouth Coastal BID gave useful insights on the areas that the Weymouth BID should concentrate on.”
Businesses and press are encouraged to come along to the meeting on Thursday 31st January between 3pm and 7pm or call Nigel Reed on 07557 142906, email at [email protected] . More information is available at www.weymouthbid.co.uk.
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