AN ambitious project to boost business in Worcester city centre has added its voice to our Buy Local campaign.
The Business Improvement District (BID) scheme, overseen by tourism body VisitWorcester, has been slowly taking shape over the past six months.
The aim is to give local businesses a voice, encourage them to have a say on what they want to see in the city centre – whether it be more Christmas lights or live street entertainment – and then implement the changes.
Just under 600 traders, many of them small independents, were asked to put forward ideas they felt would improve trading conditions during today’s harsh economic climate.
From 87 suggestions, 27 projects have been shortlisted. They include a trail to entice people around the city centre’s lesser-known areas, free membership of the city’s security radio schemes, a team of hosts who could assist shoppers and businesses in the city centre, street entertainment similar to that in London’s Covent Garden, and a dedicated independent quarter.
Independent store owner Mike Linton, who runs Cornucopia in Worcester High Street, has welcomed the Worcester BID.
He said: “The BID can only be a good thing for the independents. By pooling the contributions of the eligible businesses we have over £300,000 per year for the businesses to spend on projects that they feel will make a difference to their trade. We are certainly backing the BID.”
The projects would be funded through contributions from businesses that have a rateable value above £7,500 – but it all hangs on whether the business community wants to adopt the scheme.
A vote will be held in October. If the majority of businesses say yes, the BID will launch in January 2010.
Adrian Field, Worcester BID project manager, said: “Many business owners and managers are very receptive to the idea of creating an independent quarter, having regular events – particularly a summer event aimed at a target market – and marketing campaigns specifically for the benefit of the smaller businesses.
“They are also keen to see a parking scheme which independent businesses in Cheltenham gave the thumbs-up to a few years ago where you can top up your parking ticket by texting your registration number, car park and credit card detail, so people can stay in the city centre longer and spend more money.”
The BID would not take over projects currently provided by the councils or police, but it could make a big difference for local traders battling to survive.
To find out more about the BID, call Adrian Field on 01905 722337 or visit worcesterbid.com.
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