Three Towns Forum

The Local => Local News & Discussion => Topic started by: SteveH on August 30, 2014, 02:19:35 pm

Title: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 30, 2014, 02:19:35 pm
During a recent discussion on "Llandudno xmas lights" or lack off, I looked at how other towns coped, and posted

some links, on that thread, a couple of towns came up, but Truro in Cornwall stuck out, they had got involved with a BID.

Business Improvement District.  Over the last week I kept going back and reading more, this morning I found this link.

http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/assets/Documents/Totally_Truro_Business_Plan_May_2012.pdf (http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/assets/Documents/Totally_Truro_Business_Plan_May_2012.pdf)

http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/about (http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/about)    (This link is the main site.)

It's a long read, but interesting, there's a lot of debate on the forum, or complaining about a range of subjects,

usually at the council or CCBC, not dealing with them, could BID be the answer?

It is aimed more at business, rather than the individual, but there seems to be a bit more control, rather than with the

Council.

I am not sure myself, but I keep going back and reading this link, so would like to hear other views and opinions.


 







               
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: DaveR on August 30, 2014, 07:37:36 pm
Personally, I think it would be a very good idea to have a BID. One that worked closely with CCBC could achieve a lot for the town.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 31, 2014, 12:54:07 pm
 $thanx$  DaveR.         Still hoping for further debate, for and against.

I will post relevant links as I find them, this Daily Post item, would not copy/paste so please Google...

"Llandudno Business Forum  for hard times."      I think this group would be for the BID ?.

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 31, 2014, 04:56:24 pm
Is the Llandudno Chamber of Trade still going ?, if so and your reading this please get in touch, every problem mentioned seems to be covered by  BID


http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/llandudno-chamber-trade-fight-issues-2646722 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/llandudno-chamber-trade-fight-issues-2646722)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie on August 31, 2014, 07:01:42 pm
Is the Llandudno Chamber of Trade still going ?, if so and your reading this please get in touch, every problem mentioned seems to be covered by  BID

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/llandudno-chamber-trade-fight-issues-2646722 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/llandudno-chamber-trade-fight-issues-2646722)

Since that article of 2012, I cannot recall having seen any more about it, but then, I am not in business in the Town.  Ann Yates can be contacted by email, all Councillors details are on the Council Web Site, www.llandudno.gov.uk (http://www.llandudno.gov.uk) or The Town Clerk may be able to assist.   ££$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 31, 2014, 07:11:39 pm
 $thanx$  Yorkie,   will give it a go..
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 02, 2014, 12:03:56 pm
I am in the process of contacting former chamber of trade members, as mentioned above, especially those who tried to reform the organisation.
A Business Improvement District, is designed to help businesses, that's why they pay the levy, they invest in the towns services to gain more customers, but in improving these services the town wins, so do we as residents of Llandudno.

I am surprised by the lack of input, FOR or AGAINST this topic, reading previous threads and comments, there have been a lot complaints and suggestions for improving services etc. across the forum, so just in case it is not
clear, I will list below just some of the benefits I think we could gain, bearing in mind this would be over and above the services already provided.

Mostyn St., ....."the decline of the High St." A  BID group would deal with dirty empty shops, overnight street cleansing,extra planting and seating, more litter bins, these are just some of the issues raised in the past.

Local Attractions.....Happy Valley, Heulfre Gdn's. all garden areas would benefit, North shore?..museums etc.

Existing local groups would gain, the BID would raise additional funds and support for ie. Friends of Happy Valley
and the Extravaganza, our biggest crowd puller and major asset.

Christmas....is a big one, a BID puts a lot of time effort and money into it...... "XMAS LIGHTS" and themes again more funds and support for the organising group.       Also fireworks.

Car parking and coaches, always problems.

And they work with other local organisations,  the council, Venue Cymru, tourist board to make the most of what we have,
a BID works by improving services over and above council baselines.

So please help...COMMENT......if it does not get support here, on the forum it's got no chance.   $thanx$


PS Admin is it possible to link a poll to this thread. Ta.

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: andyCYD on September 02, 2014, 01:00:26 pm
Seems like a great idea to me.  But there need to be enough people to do the work necessary to get it off the ground, which is where I think Llandudno lets itself down. I noticed that Oscar has been querying recent efforts via the Chamber of Commerce to tidy up Maddock street, which staggers me. I know that site is intended to reflect one person's view, but a lot of people seem to agree with what he/she has to say.

Personally, I would put Xmas lights fairly low down the list of priorities. Llandudno has a real opportunity to be a bit different, rather than copy the 'standard' model.  I would suggest outdoor and sporting events such as next week's Tour of Britain, the annual Triathlon, various running and cycling events etc. being a good thing to promote.  But too often, these things come and go with little publicity and hence the opportunities to get a return and promote Llandudno are missed. I am sure this is something where a BID could make a real difference.

The recent issues of rocks on the beach is a prime example where Llandudno gets things wrong, but a BID could help. I would love the North Beach to have more sand, but I don't think many visitors to Llandudno really expect it to be a bucket and spade destination. Yet we have the West Shore, that hardly gets a mention. Why Llandudno is not promoted as the town with two beaches, one with its Victorian Pier and Prom; and the other family friendly beach with sand and swimming is totally beyond me.

On a smaller scale, Craig y Don businesses have started meeting to see how they can promote themselves better and make Craig y Don a destination for customers. The next meeting is this Thursday 4th September at 5:30pm in Coffee V, if anyone is interested.

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 02, 2014, 01:23:01 pm
Thanks andyCYD,    all good comments, and I agree with all of them, and good luck to Craig Y Don. please let them know about this idea perhaps they would like to join in.

Your remark's on "enough people" I have just contacted Truro's BID manager and asked how they got started, lets hope he has the time to reply.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Nemesis on September 02, 2014, 03:58:11 pm
Trouble is that alot of these so called schemes are somewhat half hearted and don't get carried on.
Workmen began replacing dangerous paving slabs-- but have disappeared.
Hearts and flowers appeared at the corner of Madoc St and Lloyd St--where are the other parts of the scheme?
North Shore 'kiddies corner' revamped and cleaned, now looks grim again.
No sign of anyone patrolling West Shore recently, thus lots of dogs running loose.
Road signs for various events left cluttering street corners well after the date.

Well you did ask  :o ;D
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 02, 2014, 05:26:33 pm
Thanks Nemesis, every comment welcome ...For or Against,....... but I need to point out this is not a scheme, it would involve a 5 year contract, it is a 5 year business plan, payed for by local businesses to increase the footfall of customers, therefore profit, and if the BID do not meet their targets they do not get voted back in, so there are financial repercussions for them, if they do not meet their aims.

A BID improves the services of a town, to increase business, but, we gain from those improvements

Both the links in the first post have a lot of info. and really need to be read, I keep going over them, and so far I think it is worth further investigation.

A BID also knows about available government funds and how to get them.

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie on September 02, 2014, 05:58:48 pm
If the main beneficeries of the scheme are the shops and businesses then why don't they get off their backsides and support such schemes.  Wrex can tell you the problems with getting support in his efforts with Xmas Lights and the Extravaganza.   ZXZ
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 02, 2014, 07:04:03 pm
Yorkie we have seen it all before, they start a business, they get in a rut, or they lack experience, also I was very surprised to find the chamber of trade had stopped functioning, but I never found the chamber had much clout or financial backing.

I think I understand what Wrex is going through, and it was his problems which started my search, after reading
Truro's history with BID I thought if we could get enough interest we could push the idea forward, and get the funding these groups deserve.

The other problem will be convincing businesses to "spend to accumulate" the bigger ones M&S etc already have been involved with BID'S, but the smaller ones, the ones who need it, I am afraid they are the ones sitting on there backsides, waiting for somebody else to do something.

It's also the smaller ones who will gain more from this, they will get professional help in marketing, image and an internet profile, some of the local web pages might as well not be there. If I am correct the cost for smaller businesses is between £100 to £150 pa It is a small price to pay, but if everybody joined...
 .
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 02, 2014, 07:18:25 pm
Thanks andyCYD,    all good comments, and I agree with all of them, and good luck to Craig Y Don. please let them know about this idea perhaps they would like to join in.

Your remark's on "enough people" I have just contacted Truro's BID manager and asked how they got started, lets hope he has the time to reply.

Truro's BID manager Neil Scott has been in touch and would be pleased to "share his experiences and thoughts"

We are arranging to talk by phone later this week.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 03, 2014, 11:30:16 am
Another link, a short one, on Truro's city council involvement with a business led initiative, which has raised £1.5million additional since it started, pumped into projects around the city.

http://www.truro.gov.uk/The-Council/Business-Improvement-District.aspx (http://www.truro.gov.uk/The-Council/Business-Improvement-District.aspx)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie on September 03, 2014, 12:53:43 pm
Another link, a short one, on Truro's city council involvement with a business led initiative, which has raised £1.5million additional since it started, pumped into projects around the city.

http://www.truro.gov.uk/The-Council/Business-Improvement-District.aspx (http://www.truro.gov.uk/The-Council/Business-Improvement-District.aspx)

Probably be easier to move to Truro!    :D
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 04, 2014, 10:53:44 am
Here's something positive, I am still looking into this subject, reading old post's etc. I remember staying in a hotel
that gave us excellent service over and above the norm, and gave a tripadvisor report, which earned the hotel top rating's, and I'm pleased to say still up there,....looking further, into Tripadvisor figures I found that apart from having some of the best hotels in the country, Llandudno is number eight on the top UK destinations list, this is fantastic, bearing in mind if you take out the major cities London, York, Edinburgh etc we are right at the top.

What I am trying to say is, if you run a business in Llandudno , encourage your clients to do a report on Tripadvisor, it's good for your business it's good for Llandudno......and it's FREE

BUT...You better make sure your business is worth a GOOD report. (just like Ormegolf No4 attraction :))


 $walesflag$      $walesflag$



Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie on September 04, 2014, 11:28:44 am
Another link, a short one, on Truro's city council involvement with a business led initiative, which has raised £1.5million additional since it started, pumped into projects around the city.

http://www.truro.gov.uk/The-Council/Business-Improvement-District.aspx (http://www.truro.gov.uk/The-Council/Business-Improvement-District.aspx)

Just as a matter of interest are there any other towns apart from Truro who have had success with BID?   After all, Truro's location requires it to do something to attract people as it is situated in the middle of nowhere.   ZXZ
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 04, 2014, 12:04:27 pm
Hi Yorkie, Coventry have done it, but took it big time with a budget of 9 million, took on a lot of the council work, and have nearly 100 staff,  also Clifton Village on a smaller scale, but Truro's plan stands out and appears to be similar to what.... I think...Llandudno needs, they have an overall manager and two marketing staff members, not to many.

This BID has proved itself, by being voted in for a second 5 year term.

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 05, 2014, 10:19:23 am
Quote
Just as a matter of interest are there any other towns apart from Truro who have had success with BID?   After all, Truro's location requires it to do something to attract people as it is situated in the middle of nowhere.

Following up on the above question, I found a number of towns employing "Town Managers"  Falmouth being one, but guess what, they are a Business Improvement District and in their second term.

This successful BID model has been adopted by more and more UK towns and cities with the number of BIDs standing at over 180.

 http://www.falmouth.co.uk/discover-falmouth/falmouth-a-z-local-directory/falmouth-business-improvement-district-bid (http://www.falmouth.co.uk/discover-falmouth/falmouth-a-z-local-directory/falmouth-business-improvement-district-bid)

180 TOWNS AND CITIES are BID'S....thats not a "flash in the pan" this is a serious business opportunity.

COMMENTS PLEASE.....














Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie on September 05, 2014, 11:14:37 am
I believe that Colwyn Bay employed a Town Manager some years ago.  What happened to him or her?
 ZXZ
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 05, 2014, 11:30:18 am
They came up with some good ideas, but have not been seen since they put in the foundations for  THE SKIP.. WWW
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 05, 2014, 02:56:51 pm
The link below should now answer most questions, ....

Quote
[quote  British BIDs is leading the way on the development, management, renewal and evolution of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Britain. BIDs are business-led partnerships focused on improving and enhancing commercial areas including town and city centres, commercial locations and industrial estates.

http://www.britishbids.info/AboutBIDs/WhatisaBID.aspx (http://www.britishbids.info/AboutBIDs/WhatisaBID.aspx)

Quote
BIDs are about working in partnership and we believe that we can achieve more through collaboration than .....WORKING ALONE ......As the needs of the industry evolve and the opportunities for innovation increase, the value of shared delivery seems self evident.

This might seem like a pipe dream, but I believe a form of separate management is needed, or a smaller version of a BID, if we want things improved.

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 06, 2014, 01:02:40 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....

Even although there has been little or no response to this idea, I would like to think, there has been a foundation laid, one that can grow, a lot of people have read and followed this thread, I hope some, from one of the business organisations,  who could explore and expand it further.
Chamber of Trade.......All businesses
Llandudno Hospitality....Hotel and Restaurant group
Llandudno Development Partnership......Xmas Fayre..etc.
Llandudno heritage Trust...Victorian Extravaganza ...Xmas lights....Gt Orme Exploration Soc....Friends of Happy Valley......the Tourist Board....Craig Y Don Business Group....North shore beach group...ETC.  Sorry for any omissions,please let me know if I have missed you out.

All of these group's and people,  put a great deal of effort and time into making Llandudno better, look at the Tripadvisor reports, Top hotels in the country, top attractions, and in the top 10 UK destination list, just look at the great result's, despite the difficulties (financial/manpower) some of these groups have to overcome.
 
So what would happen if they all got together.

If you have any further ideas, or comments, please get in touch, here or E mail               

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 07, 2014, 11:28:40 am
Steering Group

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...



Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie on September 07, 2014, 01:19:10 pm
I will nominate our own Fester.  He has vast experience in many areas of business, and personal attributes that would be of major benefit to any BID Group.

 Z**
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 07, 2014, 04:36:10 pm
I am sorry to interrupt the steering group voting,  :)     but I have just found new information, Yorkie asked what happened to the Bay's town manager, I searched for CB's manager, but found instead ..ATCM...Association of Town Centre Management. ( thank's Yorkie) I know a lot of you, do not like long links, but if you have even the slightest interest, in this topic, it has to be read.

 BID's is not a new idea....the more I look into it, the more I think we are being left behind.

Please read the full link........

https://www.atcm.org/townteamuploads/971-atcmmanifestoa42 (https://www.atcm.org/townteamuploads/971-atcmmanifestoa42)


There's more.....for those interested google "town managers assoc."

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 07, 2014, 07:58:09 pm
Well done  COLWYN BAY  you already have a town manager, and are members of ATCM, with support from the Welsh Assemby.


 $walesflag$   $good$    $walesflag$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 08, 2014, 10:52:03 am
Another group to add to the above list....

Llandudno Coastal Forum

Made up from..Restore our Beach....Destination Conwy....Llandudno Sailing Club.....Llandudno Town council......CBCC..(M.Priestley).....Llandudno Hospitality........Mostyn Est......Ships Timbers....

http://www.llandudnocoastalforum.co.uk/agenda-minutes-of-meeting-28th-august-2014/ (http://www.llandudnocoastalforum.co.uk/agenda-minutes-of-meeting-28th-august-2014/)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on September 08, 2014, 11:15:32 am
Well done  COLWYN BAY  you already have a town manager, and are members of ATCM, with support from the Welsh Assemby.

More links .(sorry)but, all important to the topic.   A lot of this goes back to 2011,  are we being left behind

http://www.senedd.assemblywales.org/documents/s2926/Consultation%20Response%2037.%20Association%20of%20Town%20Centre%20Management.pd (http://www.senedd.assemblywales.org/documents/s2926/Consultation%20Response%2037.%20Association%20of%20Town%20Centre%20Management.pd)

http://towns.org.uk/tag/colwyn-bay/ (http://towns.org.uk/tag/colwyn-bay/)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-15183977 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-15183977)

http://towns.org.uk/2014/03/07/coastal-communities-fund-50-latest-winners-and-new-pot-announced/ (http://towns.org.uk/2014/03/07/coastal-communities-fund-50-latest-winners-and-new-pot-announced/)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: Yorkie 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.
 $walesflag$


Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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.


Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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 (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/coastal-communities-fund/?lang=en)

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/vibrant-and-viable-places/?lang=en (http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/vibrant-and-viable-places/?lang=en)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: DaveR 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.  $good$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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.    $thanx$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: andyCYD 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?

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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 (http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/assets/documents/Totally_Truro_Business_Proposal_Final_80507_0.pdf)




Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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&
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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/ (http://www.britishbids.info/)            ££$       $walesflag$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH 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 (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 (https://business.wales.gov.uk/dmwales/sites/dmwales/files/documents/conwy-dm-plan.pdf)

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

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

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



Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on November 05, 2014, 04:45:44 pm
Business levy to help bring more people to North Wales' town centres   But not Llandudno... &shake&                                                     
  Private sector firms could come together to create the first Business Improvement Districts in North Wales – with levies on firms used to fund projects to entice people into Bangor and Caernarfon.
Business Improvement Districts (BID) have been formed across the UK with up to £1m a year raised in bigger towns and cities to drive economic development - with businesses in control of how the cash is spent.

It sees around 1% to 2% of the rateable value of units paid by businesses into a central pot that is used to promote and improve the town centres.
Money could then be spent on range of initiatives, from subsidised parking, extra street cleaning, security, to marketing campaigns to bring people into the shopping districts.

A consultation has started in both communities with business owners bring urged to get involved.
If there is enough interest then separate ballots will be held next year in Caernarfon and Bangor with more than 50% of voters needing to back the BID to make it happen.

Rhys Alun Williams, from the Gwynedd Council economy department, said: “This will be controlled by the businesses in the area.

“What happens with the money that is raised depends entirely on what the businesses in that area want, the emphasis is and usual should be to provide something additional to what is covered by the local authority.

“There are various examples, like in Swansea where they have night porters to help people in the evenings, improving safety, some use it for local and regional marketing, some pay for painting schemes.

“It is the choice of the businesses involved, it can mean anything, they are limited only by the imagination and ambition of the BID.”

If accepted every business in the BID area will have to pay the levy but businesses in both centres say that will get back more than they put in by increasing footfall.

Julie Vickers, manager of the Bangor branch of clothes chain River Island, said: “This is about us saying what we need to do to improve our town centres.

“The company has seen how this has worked in Swansea in South Wales. We know it has had a positive impact on River Island stores in Swansea and the town as a whole.

“Now it is about trying to sell the positive impact this will have on everyone in Bangor and Caernarfon.

“This will be a positive act for Gwynedd.
“This can only benefit us, it can’t damage us. Doing nothing, that will be the damage.”

Fiona Evans, manager of the Boots store in Bangor, said: “The fact that this will be led by businesses means we can get what we want, it could be things that are low down on the priority of the local authority.

“Sometimes it is simple improvements on issues like parking that can make a difference.
“It is also how we can change the perception of Bangor to people who do not know the city.
“It is about trying to entice people to come to Bangor, make them come.
“We don’t have a Caernarfon Castle, we don’t have a beach so we have to work to entice people here.
“It needs cleaning up and get rid of any nastiness here, things like graffiti.

“We have these new student halls going up but then you come into the centre - it is all about perception and when parents come looking at the university, are we giving the best perception?

“These areas are not in a dire situation but we can improve it.”

Bangor High Street.Bangor High Street. 
Emlyn Williams, project officer with Bangor City Council, said: “We need to change but businesses are so isolated and this will bring people together.

“People can learn from each other, the independents can learn from the big names.”

The Business Improvement District project is initially funded by the Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council, Bangor City Council and Caernarfon Town Council, working in partnership with local business groups.

But once operational it will be self financing and rely on private sector levies.

By consulting with the wider business community, it is hoped that the project can establish the priorities so that trading conditions for the city and town centres are improved.

If backed by firms a board will be created which will then decide how the money is spent.

Chris Stulfelder from Caernarfon Chamber of Trade added: “This is an excellent chance for businesses to come together and through the BIDs, invest in improvements to the benefit of Caernarfon town centre and Bangor city centre.

“The chamber can see a benefit and we need to sell that to everyone else.

“In Caernarfon it could help us extend the season here.

“The town is packed in the summer but we need to extend that with events and also bringing more local people here throughout the year.”

Andrew Bough, owner of Ty Siocled, Caernarfon, said: “We want to use this funding to bring more people living in villages around the town to come here to do their shop.

“Part of this is helping bring more businesses to the town to ensure people can do all their shopping in the town or subsidise a market to come here a couple of days a week.”

He added: “At the moment maybe just 10% of businesses are working together to promote the town but if this is successful and we have money to spend then the number of businesses involved will go through the roof.

“Also they will want to know how the levy is being spent.”

He added: “The two bids for Bangor and Caernarfon are complementary, we are not competing against each other.”

Priorities drawn from the consultation phase will then be used to assist in the development of an economically feasible business case for the BID.

Cllr John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Community, said: “This consultation phase is a unique opportunity for businesses to share their aims and priorities on how Bangor and Caernarfon might be improved.

“By completing the consultation questionnaire businesses will be able to shape the priorities of a possible Business Improvement District which may lead to business led improvements in the city and town centres.”

To fill in the consultation questionnaire, and to find out more information about the proposed Business Improvement District, please the project websites: www.agbBangorbid.co.uk (http://www.agbBangorbid.co.uk) . www.agbCaernarfonbid.co.uk (http://www.agbCaernarfonbid.co.uk) . They need to be completed by November 9. Rhys added: “We need as many views as possible on this, positive and negative so I would encourage all businesses to get involved in the consultation.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/business-levy-help-bring-more-8054565 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/business-levy-help-bring-more-8054565)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on June 08, 2015, 04:54:10 pm
The Welsh Government has identified the Bay of Colwyn as an area that they would wish to support in developing a Business Improvement District (BID)

The area being considered for the Bay of Colwyn BID includes Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay , Old Colwyn and Mochdre and provides an opportunity for businesses to shape the future of the area and build upon recent investments such as Eirias Park, the new beach and the Watersports Centre. The project is being steered by a group of businesses from across the Bay of Colwyn area including the Chamber of Trade and the Town Team supported by the Bay Life Project and a company of BID specialists, Partnerships For Better Business Ltd (pfbb UK).

A BID ensures a sustainable way of creating a cohesive plan with funds to invest in the area that helps develop the town as a destination and as a great place to do business. As this affects you and your business we need as many business owners and managers as possible to get involved, shape the plan and identify what is important to businesses here.

A BID is where the rate-paying businesses decide on improvements in a defined area. They then vote on the plan and agree to invest in the delivery of activities which directly impact upon their business turnover and profit. This money is then ring-fenced to provide the improvements agreed through the BID plan and can be used to generate other revenue to boost the pot of money available to deliver the plan. We intend to take this plan to a vote in October 2015.

For more information about BID’s and how your business can benefit, please see our FAQ page.
http://www.colwynbid.co.uk/ (http://www.colwynbid.co.uk/)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: DaveR on June 09, 2015, 08:53:52 am
I don't see why every major town shouldn't have a BID; it's a great idea.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on June 09, 2015, 12:07:03 pm
I don't see why every major town shouldn't have a BID; it's a great idea.

I agree, but my feelings on this are already well known.

I would point out that the article gives the impression that the Welsh  government chose the Colwyn Bay area,.......... not so, the town team  made the application, and is now being supported by the government after a lot of hard work, with more to come.
I wish them well for the future........ $good$........ ££$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: DaveR on June 09, 2015, 12:34:00 pm
I would point out that the article gives the impression that the Welsh  government chose the Colwyn Bay area,.......... not so, the town team  made the application, and is now being supported by the government after a lot of hard work, with more to come.
That's interesting, I didn't know that.  I've always thought an effective Town Centre Manager would be a real asset to Llandudno, and if they could get things like a BID in motion, then even better.
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on March 21, 2016, 11:47:18 am
Quote from: wrex   Yesterday at 09:31:56 PM
Although we have Mostyn estates bringing in new companies into town i really think it needs a person who is not looking toself gain to manage the whole town,a manager who will sell the town,we have everything going for us but there are lots of businesses who do not realise how good we are and need selling too.       
Quote from : DaveR  I agree. A Town Manager is a great idea for that reason, they could also work to obtain funding for refurbishment of public areas, organise events etc as well.

As we are talking about Town Managers on "Everything to do with shops" I thought it a good idea (excuse) to bring this topic to the attention of the uninitiated ............. ¢¢##
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: DaveR on March 22, 2016, 12:10:41 pm
Nice to see you 'back in action' on the Forum, Steve.  $good$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on March 22, 2016, 12:23:42 pm
Nice to see you 'back in action' on the Forum, Steve.  $good$

Many thanks, good to be back........You could have turned the heating up..... $sunny$
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on May 18, 2016, 12:25:28 pm
I expected teething problems but this first stumble is extremely unprofessional and shows the need for experienced Town managers............                                                                                                         
The low vote (241 out of 800 with only 165 businesses in favour ) should have raised alarm bells, thats 635 businesses not in favour, the BID team should have seen this coming and dealt with it, now they look incompetent, I hope its not to late.......

Levy bills dropping on the doormats of Colwyn Bay businesses have triggered a Business Improvement District(BID) backlash.
Businesses from across the The Bay of Colwyn voted in November 2015 for a BID with a 68% vote in favour after a widespread awareness campaign.
BIDs see firms pay a levy of 1.5% of business rates to pay for improvements in the area like better signage, marketing and free parking. It will raise a funding pot of around £1.3m over five years.

But now as payment demands are sent out to firms some are rebelling with claims that they were not aware the levy was mandatory on all businesses, regardless of whether they supported the BID or not.

READ: Colwyn Bay businesses back BID to raise and spend £1.25m regeneration pot

BID organisers say every effort was made over many months to communicate all aspects of the project with the 800 businesses in Colwyn Bay, Mochdre, and Rhos-on-Sea.

This included BID prospectuses and ballot papers sent to all businesses, visits from the BID team, workshops, and extensive local press coverage.

But David Parrish, owner of Global Tiles, Mochdre, who says his bill is around £1,000, said: “Businesses had no idea about the implication of this, the fact they would have to pay towards it and it was not an option. I have walked around locally and already spoken to businesses who are saying the same as me.

READ: Colwyn Bay's business leaders reveal 11 point plan on how they would spent £1.2m to bring more people to town

“I will have to pay £1,000, what will I get for that money. They are talking about extra signage in Mochdre but surely the council should be providing this already from the rates I pay.”

He said only 241 firms voted, with 165 in favour.

Debbie Giacomet, from Debrett Fires, Colwyn Bay, said apathy had let the BID in and she now wants to oppose it.
She said: “I can’t deny that I knew this was going on but I did not realise that this was not optional and we would all be hit with bills.
“I don’t know if this is too late because really we are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted but we can try and I think other people will be with us.

READ: Colwyn Bay businesses can take control in 'once in a lifetime opportunity'

“I want people to contact me if they are not happy about the BID coming in”

Interim chair of the Colwyn BID Project Board Teresa Carnell said: “The process to create a BID area for Colwyn started well over two years ago and throughout the entire process we have been mindful of getting the right methods of communication so that all businesses had an opportunity to have their opinions heard.”

She said she wanted to try to engage the businesses that were now unhappy with the BID.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/colwyn-bay-business-district-backlash-11347795 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/colwyn-bay-business-district-backlash-11347795)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 02, 2016, 12:32:27 pm
This quote is from today's D.P. talking about "Primark possibly coming to Llandudno".....

"Llandudno has been boosted after becoming one of the towns participating in the UK’s Healthy High Streets campaign.

It will receive a bespoke package of support, including access to skills and expertise, and dedicated High Street Champions from supporting businesses who will work together with the local partnership team, local authority and relevant partners to devise an action plan to address specific challenges in the town.
 “It is an initiative that we feel can keep the focus on the high street and be good for Llandudno."
“Businesses need to get involved to make it work, the success or failure of schemes like this depends on that involvement.”

"The Llandudno Chamber of Trade welcomed the Healthy High Streets news after teaming up with Marks & Spencers Llandudno and Mostyn Estates to apply."

Looking into The Healthy High Streets Campaign" I was surprised to find a smaller version of BID and that Llandudno Chamber of Trade maybe gaining momentum .

Business in the Community ..... BITC.    is part of the Prince's Responsible Business Network
Launched in 2014, the Healthy High Streets programme provides intensive support for high streets. Over a three year period the programme will support 100 locations to revitalise high streets and engage large businesses in their local communities.

The programme is backed by corporate partners Boots UK, EE, Exterion Media, Greggs, Marks & Spencer, Santander and Wilko.  These businesses are collaborating with local town teams to develop and implement activities such as:

Enabling access to landlords to address issues around empty and unsightly properties
Prioritising accessibility and safety
Creating and enabling high profile events to drive footfall
Creation of relevant pop up shops and markets to support start ups
Helping to improve customer service
Providing expert help and resource to market and celebrate the high street.

Figures released in November 2015 show that the Healthy High Streets programme is succeeding in its objectives of increasing footfall, reducing the number of vacant units, and creating jobs. Overall, Healthy High Streets towns have reported.


The BITC site with information links........... http://www.bitc.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do (http://www.bitc.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do)


The Chamber of trade site with information links............ http://llandudnochamberoftrade.co.uk/ (http://llandudnochamberoftrade.co.uk/)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 09, 2016, 11:41:24 am
Businesses in Bridgend have voted in favour of establishing a Business Improvement District in the town centre which will ensure thousands are poured into the local econony.
More than £480,000 will be invested into the town’s economy from the proceeds of the BID levy over the next three years.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and funded mechanism for improving the town centre.

The Welsh Government has provided £203,000 to support the development of 10 BID proposals in Aberystwyth , Pontypridd , Abergavenny , Pant and Merthyr Industrial Estates, Llanelli , Neath , Caernarfon , Bangor , and Colwyn Bay , in addition to Bridgend.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/bridgend-economy-boosted-more-480000-11720689 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/bridgend-economy-boosted-more-480000-11720689)

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on August 24, 2016, 02:47:47 pm
Paint job and wi-fi for Caernarfon as first part of regeneration BID.

HWB Caernarfon was set up and this week announced it had secured funding to help firms revamp their properties and also for a town wi-fi service.

The £10,000 pot for painting is new funding made available following a successful grant application by HWB Caernarfon to the Welsh Government's Vibrant and Viable Places regeneration programme.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/paint-job-wi-fi-caernarfon-11791339 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/paint-job-wi-fi-caernarfon-11791339)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: DaveR on August 25, 2016, 09:12:02 am
Paint job and wi-fi for Caernarfon as first part of regeneration BID.

HWB Caernarfon was set up and this week announced it had secured funding to help firms revamp their properties and also for a town wi-fi service.

The £10,000 pot for painting is new funding made available following a successful grant application by HWB Caernarfon to the Welsh Government's Vibrant and Viable Places regeneration programme.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/paint-job-wi-fi-caernarfon-11791339 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/paint-job-wi-fi-caernarfon-11791339)
I think I said several years ago that a townwide wi-fi service would be great for Llandudno; perhaps it's something that the Town Council could organise at relatively little cost for the town centre?
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on November 26, 2018, 04:09:56 pm
Rhyl businesses 'take control' in   BID  to revive fortunes of struggling town centre

The business community of the seaside town has voted to set up Rhyl BID group with £1m budget

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/rhyl-businesses-take-control-bid-15467185 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/rhyl-businesses-take-control-bid-15467185)
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: wrex on November 26, 2018, 04:37:33 pm
I wish Llandudno buisnesses would do the same
Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on June 26, 2019, 04:14:59 pm
A number of firms have expressed their frustration over the presentation of a top business award to a taxpayer funded regeneration group.

The Conwy Business Awards 2019 took place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Friday with prizes given out across 14 categories.
The Business Leader of the Year award was presented to Cheryl Williams, project manager for Colwyn Business Improvement District (BID).

While no one questioned the effort she has put into the role, firms were unhappy that this award had been presented to a taxpayer-funded organisation rather than the leader of a private company.

Other companies have also been critical of the overall achievements of the BID scheme since it started in 2016.

BIDS raise money with a levy on firms.

Adrian Walker, from Hippo Toys, Mochdre, said: “I think they have jumped the gun here. Cheryl is trying hard at the BID but where are the achievements?
“I think this is a bit early to be getting awards, especially when there are some very successful businesses and business leaders out there.
"In Mochdre we are still waiting for the business park signage, three years after the BID started.”

Syd Gaskin, director of Gaskins Carpets and Beds in Mochdre, said he wanted to see the BID start to deliver projects.
He added: “I don’t want to hear of them self-promoting themselves by having won awards, which are supposed to be for actual businesses.”

Other businesses contacted North Wales Live with concerns over the award and performance of the BID but did not want to go on the record.

Projects by Colwyn BID include additional street furniture, a loyalty scheme, Arriva bus discounts for workers, and helping secure a stage of the Wales GB Rally on the promenade.

Cheryl Williams said it was an honour to receive the award and dedicated it to the hard work of the Colwyn BID team and board.
She said: “It was also amazing to see how many firms in the Bay of Colwyn were shortlisted and picked up awards on the night, highlighting how many brilliant business leaders and employees we have in this area.
“We are working with hundreds of organisations and individuals across the Bay of Colwyn and have many exciting projects in the pipeline.”     

Article and comments
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/backlash-over-business-leader-award-16486734 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/backlash-over-business-leader-award-16486734)

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District ....Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 24, 2019, 11:39:13 am
Colwyn Bay is already a  Business Improvement District (BID),  (see previous page for details) , so I was a bit confused when I read this article,..... great if it is going to work as part of the BID group, who already pay towards the regeneration of the area including improvements such as is being suggested here, or is this a another version asking for further payments ? plus I think there has to be unity,
The BID management needs to be on the ball, and should be dealing with these problems already, bearing in mind that the BID members can withdraw from the agreement, if they are not satisfied with progress..............

DP Article...
A former police officer of 30 years wants to work with businesses to clean up the streets of Colwyn Bay - fighting crime and litter and giving a voice to firms.

Mark Clemson has set up the Colwyn Business Support Zone and is now engaging with traders across the town as well as the BID group and Conwy council.
His ambition is to first focus on grass root issues that impact all firms, things like criminal damage and messy streets.

He also wants to provide a voice to the business community before working on promotion of the area and bringing in extra support for firms and encouraging start-ups.

Mr Clemson, who worked with Merseyside Police for 30 years and later for a BID project on the Wirral, said: “My idea was to set up a members organisation that gives the business community a voice and addresses the grass root issues like crime and disorder, things that affect businesses on a day to day basis.

“It is about supporting them in a way I don’t think they are being supported now.
“It is about safe, clean and attractive streets, business support, marketing and promotion.
“At the moment there are street drinkers, crime, criminal damage.
“This is not good for business , it puts off people coming to use businesses.
“I am trying to get things done, things like clean ups, like we did on Merseyside.

“We had flash mobs that would go to an area for say two hours and deal with the mess, the council have been supportive of this.

“If we make it safer and cleaner it then encourages more people into the area.
“The area is on the rise, there is stuff going well. It is a fantastic place to live and work, who wouldn’t want to work in an environment like this.
“But there is stuff not going well and we want to help deal with this.

“I also felt there was no real voice for the business community – very little happening with the Chamber of Trade.

“It is very early days – I am trying to engage with as many businesses as I can, first and foremost in the Colwyn Bay area.”
He says the key will be working collaboratively with everyone.
He said: “I have approached the BID, spoken with the council, you can’t work in a silo.

“I would like to get a regular town centre meeting that draws in people from police, council, substance abuse teams so people can all work together, it is the only way this can work.
“I’d also love a business hub here for new young businesses to develop.

“We need to move with the times because the world is changing, Liverpool and Manchester are close by and are developing all the time, we need to be more forward-looking.”  ref DP

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on November 08, 2019, 01:40:24 pm
I am sorry to see that the Colwyn Bid project has failed, I am a great supporter of this type of scheme, but it is down to the people who take it on, and their experience in the business field, enthusiasm only goes so far, and I am afraid, this failed Bid will no doubt harm future trust in the BID process.

Colwyn BID 'doomed to fail' looks set to be terminated early

"Chair of the BID board Jen Whitlock, who only took on the role in June, says she believes the project was badly set-up at its inception.
She said: "BIDs are brilliant ideas but the Colwyn BID was covering four separate and diverse areas - because of this it was always doomed to fail."

""It has been poorly managed but also hit by the bureaucracy of it all and I don't think Conwy council have been supportive enough."
"It was supposed to be businesses running things for themselves, it has not worked out like that, it has been hit with the same bureaucracy seen in the public sector."

More  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/colwyn-bid-doomed-fail-looks-17222863 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/colwyn-bid-doomed-fail-looks-17222863)

Title: Re: BID...Business Improvement District
Post by: SteveH on February 21, 2020, 12:01:07 pm
There are now 13 BID's in wales.

City high street investment 'won't trickle out' to towns.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51575075 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51575075)