Local businesses are being invited to consider a Business Improvement District
Local businesses that are interested in improving their business area are invited join other local businesses and the chambers of commerce across Waverley to discuss the possibility of a Business Improvement District (BID).
A BID is a business led initiative supported by government legislation that gives local businesses the power to raise and spend funds locally with the aim of improving their own business environment. It is an investment scheme where local businesses agree how their money should be invested to benefit themselves, their employees, customers, clients and their area. There are already over 290 BIDs successfully operating across the country.
A spokesman for the Waverley Joint Chambers of Commerce, representing Cranleigh, Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere, said ‘We have watched the success of the many BIDs in the UK which have improved their business environments, our closest being in Guildford which has just entered its second five year term. It is early days and this process could take 18 months to two years but we feel that there are opportunities for our High Streets and business communities to benefit from a BID which addresses local needs on a town by town basis. We would very much like to hear from large and small businesses who would like to be part of the early discussions and feasibility study. Businesses do not need to be members of the chambers to take part’.
Councillor Jim Edwards, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Community Development at Waverley Borough Council, said: “A BID is a fantastic opportunity that could really help the local economy. If successful, a BID has the potential to transform our town and village centres, change the game for local businesses and bring significant benefits to Waverley. We have committed to fund a feasibility study to review potential BID areas, find out the level of interest, assess the viability of a BID and consider various options that could be adopted. Local businesses can take this opportunity to make their voices heard, be part of the development of the BID proposal and help shape the future of Waverley’s business sector.”
Interested Waverley businesses should contact their local chambers of commerce or [email protected]
haslemerechamber.co.uk/
cranleighbiz.co.uk/
