Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) has won approval from town centre traders for a second term.
The four-year-old organisation, dedicated to supporting high street shops and services, was given a further mandate by levy-payers in a poll over the past month.
The result was announced on Friday (Oct 14), with a decisive 74% of businesses voting ‘yes’ to a second term. In order to win, the BID also needed to secure a majority based on the rateable value of business properties in the town – and hit 83%. The turnout was 34%.
Since its inception, the board, made up of representatives of town centre traders, has been chaired by Karen Burton, who runs Karen’s Cakes at Northgate End.
She said: “I’m delighted the town’s businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a second term. It’s a vote of confidence for Bishop’s Stortford BID that the foundations laid during its first term and recognition that the additional support, town centre improvements and initiatives contained within our second term business plan are welcomed, even if it comes at a financial cost during this extremely uncertain economic period.
“I would like to thank Gina Thomas, our BID manager, for her unwavering dedication and hard work to make things happen, together with my fellow board members for their time and commitment towards trying to help make our town the best it can be.”
In the past four years, the BID has created the Discover Stortford brand and website; organised themed trails, Christmas shopping evenings, business training sessions, car park offers and parking marshals and launched the Bishop’s Stortford Gift Card.
Critically, it also supported the high street through the Covid-19 pandemic, organising extra security, Covid-compliance training, signage and sanitiser.
The ‘yes’ vote for its business plan means the BID can press ahead with a raft of new initiatives including marketing and promotion of Bishop’s Stortford to reach a wider audience, events and street entertainment, and working towards Purple Flag status to ensure the night-time economy is welcoming for all.
There will also be a focus on “place-making” to improve the appearance of the commercial centre and capitalise on the history of the town.
Support for businesses, including help with filling vacancies, staff training, recycling projects and ongoing negotiations over parking, are also on the agenda.
The BID funds its programme by imposing a levy on eligible businesses of 1.5% of the rateable value of their premises. The new term will generate £975,000 over five years.
Cllr Jan Goodeve, East Herts Council’s executive member for planning and growth, said: “This is fantastic news for Bishop’s Stortford and a huge congratulations must go to Gina Thomas, Karen Burton and the wider BID team, as well as all the businesses who came together to ensure we secured a yes vote in the renewal ballot.
“The BID has set out a clear and ambitious vision for its future and how they plan to deliver for the town and its businesses over the next five years.
“As a key partner, we look forward to continuing our work together to attract new and exciting businesses, boost town centre trade and make sure Bishop’s Stortford remains a place where business can thrive.”
