Video launched in support of Stockport’s BID

A video has been launched in support of Stockport town centre’s campaign for a Business Improvement District.

Vision Stockport’s campaign for Stockport’s BID is on countdown.

With just 4 weeks to go before the ballot closes and votes are counted, many of Stockport’s businesses are getting behind the BID campaign to make Stockport a fantastic town, for everyone.

Throughout October 2016 all eligible businesses within the proposed BID area will have an opportunity to vote on whether to establish the BID. The Ballot Pack and voting papers will be sent out in the next few days and all will have been delivered by end of September. 

Businesses will have until 27^th October 2016 to complete their voting papers and submit them.

The ballot packs will contain:

·         A letter with details about the ballot including how to vote and deadlines

·         A summary of the BID Proposals

·         Pre-paid reply envelopes.

All businesses within the town centre BID area, with a business rateable value of £10,000+ are eligible to vote.

Businesses paying less than £10,000 can also be a part of the BID and make a voluntary donation of £100 per year.

In Stockport, a successful BID will generate funds of £450,000 for the next 5 years, a total of £2.25m. The businesses within the area have already suggested that this money can be spent on improving the look of the town. Putting on events, better marketing, making the town safer for everyone – many exciting ways to make Stockport a great place, offering something for everyone!

What is a BID and what will a BID do for Stockport?

A BID is a business-led and democratically-elected organisation, which is run by and for its business members. Income is raised through a mandatory BID levy on businesses occupying properties with rateable values.

To form the BID, a formal ballot of businesses is needed – those within the boundary and eligible to pay the levy – in which a majority voting must be delivered. 

The Council will hold the ballot for the BID between 29th September 2016 and 27th October 2016 and will carry out all necessary arrangements, including collecting the BID levy in the event that the ballot is successful.