Vision Stockport’s goal to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) for Stockport look to be moving closer as appointed consultants The Means reported a positive response from over 100 town centre businesses following a series of interviews.
Speaking to local businesses at a packed ‘visioning’ meeting at the Robinson’s Brewery Visitors’ Centre on Wednesday evening, BID consultant Giles Semper reported that 78% of those questioned said they thought BIDs were a good idea, with only 1% consciously opposed.
Local business people were welcomed by Vision Stockport board member Paul Taylor who urged those present to give the BID serious consideration:
“We are about to witness the most exciting changes to Stockport in development and build since Merseyway was completed 50 years ago. Work on the Council’s £900m investment programme has begun in the town centre and across the borough.”
“We want to applaud all that is happening and complement the good work that is taking place. The BID is about our town centre businesses, that’s you and me, taking ownership and having input into the development of our town and tonight is the start that process”, he said.
Through a successful BID, Vision Stockport wants to encourage the sharing of ideas and complementary initiatives that will support the development taking place and attract more people into the town, whether to work, live or visit, providing a greater choice, in a safe and secure place.”
In an energetic and positive brainstorming session, the guests examined the list of ‘issues’ uncovered by the researchers and batted around some innovative solutions to address Transport & Accessibility; Anti-social behaviour; Marketing & Events and Improving the Mix – in particular widening the retail offer, and rebuilding the evening economy.
The Means director Giles Semper, who presented the findings to the meeting said“It is a struggle for businesses in most town centres in the UK at the moment. They have to manage a growing cost base while trying to sell products and services that appeal to the sophisticated modern consumer.
“But what we found on the street in Stockport is a real appetite to work together for change. Local businesses have a clear idea as to the remedies that need to be applied, and are receptive to the idea that a BID might be necessary and desirable.
“Vision Stockport is providing exemplary leadership and – if the momentum continues – we believe they could have their BID by the end of the year.”
The development of the Stockport Town Centre BID is being supported by Stockport Council.
Councillor Iain Roberts, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council attended the event and commented “It was exciting to hear the range of ideas that businesses have about how Stockport town centre can continue to grow. Working in partnership with local companies is important to the Council as they are vital to helping ensure Stockport continues to be a successful town where people want to do business and visit. It is for this reason I am pleased that we are working closely with Vision Stockport as they look to develop a Stockport town centre Business Improvement District.”
There are over 200 successful BIDs in the UK, including at neighbouring Manchester City Centre and in Altrincham. The BID programme is funded by a levy based upon the rateable value of a business property, usually 1-2%. Monies generated are used to fund projects over and above those provided by the council, as directed by the local business community.
Find out more about the BID and have your say. Visit www.visionstockport.org