Nigel Reed, Chair of the Weymouth BID has today written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government formally requesting a BID Ballot by the Local Authority, on the basis that Weymouth BID Ltd will be submitting a Business Improvement District application in 2013. This will be the first formal action taken by the Weymouth BID group in the BID application process.
Last week 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 area with a rateable value over £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. Businesses are being asked to help achieve this by voting YES in the Weymouth BID ballot.
If successful, the Weymouth BID Ltd will drive the project forward and for the first time EVER the business community will have a sensible budget which can be used to create change and increase business in the resort. Levy payers will be able to stand for election to the board of Weymouth BID Ltd with each sector represented to ensure the plan is achieved.
A YES vote would generate at least £250,000 a year for 5 years at a time when public funds are reducing. Weymouth BID would aim to attract grants and joint venture schemes to raise further additional funding that has been achieved by other successful BIDs around the UK. The BID will take on the task of implementing the projects set out in the final business plan, but only if enough YES votes are generated in May 2013.
Some of the projects include:
· Beating Seasonality in our Tourist Industry
· Improving the Customer Experience
· Visitor Information
· Making Weymouth a Great Night Out
· BID Evaluation & Feedback
Nigel Reed, Chairman of Weymouth BID Ltd said “The draft plans provide more detail on the costs and projects that will support the aims of the Just 5 areas highlighted above. Those that have received it should read and respond as requested as it is through these plans and the comments the BID receives back that will form the basis of the final business plan which needs to be completed by 13th February 2013.”
Businesses are encouraged to register their interest in the Weymouth BID with Nigel Reed on 07557 142906 or email at [email protected] . More information is available at www.weymouthbid.co.uk.
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