Author Topic: BID...Business Improvement District  (Read 15912 times)

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Offline Yorkie

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #30 on: September 08, 2014, 11:36:50 am »

It seems to me SteveH, that the only peron who we could entrust with such an important responsibility is yourself.  You seem so knowledgeable about the whole aspect of BID, and appear to have the obvious enthusiasm to carry the whole plan forward.  Those of us who have lived here for years should feel ashamed, and be severely reprimanded, for not realising what a terrible state into which we were allowing our Town to descend.
 $walesflag$


Wise men have something to say.
Fools have to say something.
Cicero

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #31 on: September 08, 2014, 12:05:44 pm »
Thank you Yorkie for those kind words, I am a bit like a dog with a bone, I will not let go, I would have jumped at the chance 20 years ago, (Would still like to help,) but I think we need Younger blood, with the energy to push it through.
As to being knowledgeable about BID it is all down to Google and having the time to search, but I keep reminding myself, a little knowledge is dangerous.

I do not think the "town is descending" it is just changing, and we had better keep up....

If it ever does get off the ground, the people running it,.... well, if your not careful, you will end up with the same old gang.....

Thanks again.


Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #32 on: September 08, 2014, 01:54:20 pm »
I have received a reply from Neil Scott, the BID manager from Truro, with the following advice.

"In the meantime and in response to your specific question, you should form a steering group to firstly investigate through consultation with the local business community if a BID is both viable and desirable. This will need some dedicated resource (I recall this phase taking me 3-6 months working full time when I first got involved in the BID world in Reading in 2005 – I’ll explain more when we talk) so you will need the following:
 ·         Steering Group – membership from local business community (possibly the Chamber if it is active?), local authority (whilst a BID is entirely independent from the public sector, the local authority does need to sanction it). Suggest you keep it to half a dozen at this stage
·         Some project resource
·         An office
·         A PC
·         A website
So I would suggest one of the next steps is to secure a small budget for the above. Also check out the British BIDs national website – a really useful resource for developing BIDs and also for existing ones."

So that's it, that's all we have to do, easy....

As I have been away for some time, and do not have enough local knowledge or contacts, I would like to know, who do you think, would be up to the job, either in the steering group or later on the board, a "dream team" so to speak, for the improvement of Llandudno.

Who would you propose......                         Who has the ability to pull, all the groups together........

Please send in your choice...........

If you are reading this topic for the first time, I would suggest starting, from page one, it is important.



Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #33 on: September 08, 2014, 07:15:24 pm »
Looking further into BID'S, there's a lot of reference to funding, and regeneration grants which they seem able to acquire, so thought I would have a look, I have not included Lottery,heritage or european funding, they are there but, maybe later....

https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-erdf-funding
 
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/coastal-communities-fund/?lang=en

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/vibrant-and-viable-places/?lang=en

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #34 on: September 09, 2014, 10:57:30 am »
ATCM. Town Managers and Business improvement District's view on small and independent businesses.

While town centres are often the heart of communities, small businesses are the lifeblood of the town
centre itself. They are pivotal to many local economies through the diversity of their offer and the footfall
they can bring to the high street. For example, well managed specialist markets can provide the high street
with a distinctiveness and uniqueness, attracting visitors to the town centre and creating local supply
networks from which many other businesses can benefit from.
Independents may not trade on particularly large margins so the squeeze of decreasing footfall and
increasing operating costs will put many out of business. Some will not have the resources or knowledge to
deal with a complex system of rates and rents either. Also, they find it difficult to generate financial support
and equally difficult to accept help.
We want to see a national effort to understand the needs of small businesses in a rapidly changing
economy which would include face-to-face engagement to understand their needs. Town Centres Managers
are ideally placed to carry out this work and we will work to encourage Governments to recognise the
social and financial value of this sector.
Mentoring and support can be critical, especially for start-ups and young businesses. The provision of
practical and accessible support, advice and guidance in specific areas has proved to be of huge benefit.

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #35 on: September 09, 2014, 12:51:50 pm »
More ATCM.and BID'S views.
In Wales the National Assembly is undertaking an enquiry into BIDs 
This highlights the importance of dedicated destination management activity and its relationship to town centre
management. By making our town centres attractive destinations in their own right we can ‘re-invent’ them
for the 21st century.
There are three key interests that must come together to save our town centres; and, in some cases, I
do mean save. Firstly, national governments must set in place the framework to promote town centre
investment and activity. Secondly, the business community must work with the public sector. The third
and arguable most important aspect is local. Strong local leadership will be vital if we are not going to be
writing about the ‘death of British cities’ in the next decade

Offline DaveR

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #36 on: September 09, 2014, 12:52:48 pm »
You've certainly researched this matter in real depth, SteveH, credit to you for all your hard work.  $good$

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #37 on: September 09, 2014, 01:11:12 pm »
Many thanks....I am enjoying it...bringing back old times,in a past life, I was a troubleshooting  business   management consultant.    $thanx$

Offline andyCYD

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #38 on: September 09, 2014, 01:24:01 pm »
SteveH

You asked for suggestions about who should be on the board etc. I can't help you with specifics, but it seems reasonable to have some higher level objectives first in determining the appropriate appointment. I believe all local businesses should be represented, but you actually need a relatively small number of act people for this to work.

I would suggest that national chains may not be very interested in a BID, as they tend to go for a unified approach across the country. For example, you don't see adds for M&S Llandudno.

On the other hand, my experience of local very small businesses (i.e. single outlet shops, cafes etc.) do not have a very objective view of the wider business environment. Also, they tend to be very busy running their own business because they are unable to employ others to assist with management etc.

This leads me to conclude that it may be best to target the larger local businesses.  This would be the retailers with a couple of outlets, the larger independent hotels, trade suppliers/wholesalers. However, I don't know how many of them there are in Llandudno.

The other challenge for Llandudno is how much do you focus on attracting and satisfying tourists, and how much on locals. 

It seems that Truro would be a close match for Llandudno with regard to its size, relative location and tourist focus. Is there a list of who has been actively involved in setting up and managing the BID?


Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #39 on: September 09, 2014, 02:50:23 pm »
Hi AndyCYD,   This is just what we need, this topic needs to be questioned. I'll try and cover your points in order.

First... number of people....To start, a steering group of about six, later there would be about twelve board members, made up from local business (small and big) and local council and a town manager.
The make up of the board is very important, there are powerful groups in the town, the bigger businesses and landowners and experienced business owners, they could if allowed become dictatorial, so a mix of people from small businesses and local organisations will be necessary.

National chains....M&S and Boots are active in BIDS in some towns, the big stores are needed, remember a BID needs funds, and you would not raise enough without their input.

Local small businesses...Being to busy.....again the advice and assistance you would gain,from being a part of it, I feel would be of great benefit.   (see above small and independent businesses)

Who to target...Everybody.... small and big...that would  be the job of the town manager and the steering group.

Tourists or locals...BID is designed to increase local business, they are the ones paying for the scheme, but the improvements made to the town to increase footfall/profits such as cleaner streets,empty shops, better lighting, seating, parking, better gardens, more events can only mean a better town for everyone.

Setting up the BID.....Neil scott is the Truro town/BID manager, he gave us some advice before, and I am speaking to him later in the week, I must admit I am not sure what comes first, a manager or a steering group or a BID,whatever we do, it will cost, and that is the first hurdle, and my first question to him.

Many thanks andyCYD       Keep the questions coming, that goes for everyone.

This link is Truro's original plan.....sorry it's a big one.
http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/assets/documents/Totally_Truro_Business_Proposal_Final_80507_0.pdf





Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #40 on: September 09, 2014, 06:42:45 pm »
National chains are interested in BID                                                            
Beverley Williams, Commercial
manager of Store Operations at
‘Marks and Spencer are keen
supporters of the BID principle &
are active participants in more than
20 locations across England and
Wales. As a long-term contributor to
town centre management projects,
Marks and Spencer recognises the
values that can be realised through
this type of cross-sector team
working and it is our hope that
Truro becomes another location
that benefits from a BID.

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #41 on: September 10, 2014, 06:38:39 pm »
"Well done Colwyn Bay you already have a town manager and are members of ATCM with support from the Welsh Assembly"

(Pioneer 10/9/14)
"The Welsh Government announced in January that up to £1.5 million a year will be provided to ensure the popular motoring event enjoys further success in the region over the next two years.
“This year we’re excited about bringing the Ceremonial Start to Colwyn Bay which will provide a new experience for Rally goers – accommodating thousands and thousands of fans in the spectacular setting of the £6.5m Eirias Stadium for a new look event and the chance to see the vehicles on display."
(Linkedin Ingrid Lewis)
As a member of Bay Life, the regeneration project body, I am responsible for telling Colwyn Bay’s story and connecting with investors.   
"Ingrid Lewis, Bay of Colwyn Town Manager. More than £50 million is already helping to reinvent the town by providing in-demand sports, arts and events facilities, modernising its famous promenade and improving the public realm..............A major project to restore our historic and iconic pier is also underway.? ? ? ?
But the best is yet to come. Regeneration is already transforming Colwyn Bay but we are keen to invite investors and developers to be a part of our future growth. Investment opportunities exist in:" (not sure of this info's timeline)

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #42 on: September 12, 2014, 09:32:38 am »
Quote from Fester, yesterday Colwyn Bay......
"I look forward to the Llandudno Masterplan,  Oh wait!, we have the Llandudno Development Plan,.......... but mysteriously it never mentions anything about little things like the Pier Pavilion Site."

Hi Fester, Were you joking, or is there such a "plan"  Nearest I found was a mention of the Junction....Anybody know

 &shake&

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #43 on: September 13, 2014, 09:44:22 am »
Quote
Ref E mail 12/9/14
Hi Steve,
Good to talk earlier and I’ve had a read through your Forum – well done for keeping on at this! Eventually you will find a couple more likeminded individuals and you will have the makings of your steering group. Next step will be to secure a small budget to pay for a project manager…
Let me know if I can help and advise further in any way.
Kind regards
Neil
Quote
Ref E mail 6/9/14
 In the meantime and in response to your specific question, you should form a steering group to firstly investigate through consultation with the local business community if a BID is both viable and desirable. This will need some dedicated resource (I recall this phase taking me 3-6 months  so you will need the following:
 ·         Steering Group – membership from local business community (possibly the Chamber if it is active?), local authority (whilst a BID is entirely independent from the public sector, the local authority does need to sanction it). Suggest you keep it to half a dozen at this stage
Quote

I spoke to Neil, and he advised finding a project manager, who would liaise with the council to get approval for a BID (Business improvement district,) nothing happens without this approval, then you arrange a steering group, and continue as above, finding a town manager and board of directors.

I believe this idea should be taken forward, the benefits, extra funding,eligibility for grants and help for the existing organisations, and an approachable town manager who will listen, can only be good for Llandudno.

I hope someone has seen this topic and can take it further, I will edit my findings and send them to a few names that came up during my search, and wish them good luck.


http://www.britishbids.info/            ££$       $walesflag$

Offline SteveH

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Re: BID...Business Improvement District
« Reply #44 on: September 24, 2014, 01:43:29 pm »
Developing a Destination Management Action Plan
The actions needed in order to achieve the Vision will be developed in association with the
Destination Conwy Steering Group (representing the Trade) which has been newly elected from the
membership of the Destination Conwy wide Forum. The group will also monitor the development
and implementation of the Destination Conwy Management Action Plan. The Destination Conwy
Action Plan will be a living document which will evolve and grow to meet and surpass the demands
and requirements of Destination Conwy as it strives to achieve its Vision Statement.

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/514/english_destination_document_3.pdf

https://business.wales.gov.uk/dmwales/sites/dmwales/files/documents/conwy-dm-plan.pdf

http://www.honeypotmarketing.co.uk/conwy-county/4583410295

http://www.newmind.co.uk/clients/showcase-projects/destination-conwy

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=10241&doc=31747