We were very pleased to welcome businesses to House of Fraser for the launch of the BID Leamington renewal proposal.
Businesses learnt about how we will ensure the town centre remains a competitive, vibrant and well-managed destination in the future.
There is no doubt that given all the changes, challenges and opportunities facing the town centre, it is more important than ever that businesses have the focused delivery, representation and support that BID provides.
Among the topics, we discussed the way the town centre and consumer behaviour is changing and how with increased competition both online and in neighbouring towns and cities, the need to attract customers and enhance their experience is more important than ever. This may be through the delivery of events and marketing (valued at £160,000 per year) or the provision of enhancements such as maps, floral decorations and Christmas Lights and campaigning on issues such as parking and begging (valued at over £60,000 per year).
We covered developments that will be going on in the town centre during the next five year BID term. This includes the Covent Garden Car Park redevelopment (31% of spaces) and the Old Town Creative Quarter. Business representation is essential to ensure we successfully mitigate the impacts of this and create the right opportunities to improve the town.
There are a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon also. This includes the Coventry City of Culture 2021 which is expected to drive millions of pounds of investment and visitors into the region and the Commonwealth Games in 2022 which Leamington is a host venue. Preparing to attract and accommodate these new visitors will take a focused effort.
Alongside this business support will remain an important part of the BID Leamington offer. There is a huge range of things we help businesses with on a 1:1 basis from digital health, planning, rent and rates reviews, begging, overhead costs, waste management and more. We expect the need for this to increase so have planned for that in the new Business Plan.
In terms of next steps, by now you should have received the ‘Notice of Ballot’ setting out the upcoming ballot arrangements and you will receive your ‘Ballot Paper’ at the beginning of March.
Voting ‘YES’ will ensure that BID Leamington and all its services are retained for a further five years.
We know there is a lot to do, but equally there is much to lose so please do take the time to read the information that is delivered to you and do not hesitate to contact either myself or Alison if you have any questions.
For more information on the ballot please click here.
